Hallamshire Open Results
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Hallamshire Open Report
The UK-Racketball Series returned to Hallamshire for a 4th year for what was another great event. Hallamshire is one of the best Racketball facilities in the country with 8 courts in total, 4 of which are glass backs with good seating. With a very comfortable bar the competitors have always enjoyed the atmosphere at this event in the past and this year was no exception.
The B Grade was one of the largest draws on the day and was dominated by two players from Solihul Arden club in Warwickshire. Jonathan Stobart came through group A without dropping a game. Tom Hudson managed to repeat the feet in group B but was pushed hard by John Whitley from Wilsden. Stobart and Hudson are cousins so not only was a UK-Racketball Series title on the line but also bragging rights on the family Whatsapp group. In the end this pressure proved too much for Stobart as Hudson came through as victor. 5 matches and still standing.
Helen Cann defeated Liz Arnell 2-0 in a straight women’s final. Cann is fast and fit and this retrieval in the end proved too much for Arnell. A title for Cann won on the “Nick Matthew Championship Court”. With both players competing in the B Grade and the doubles this was the first of many matches over the course of the day.
The B Grade was one of the largest draws on the day and was dominated by two players from Solihul Arden club in Warwickshire. Jonathan Stobart came through group A without dropping a game. Tom Hudson managed to repeat the feet in group B but was pushed hard by John Whitley from Wilsden. Stobart and Hudson are cousins so not only was a UK-Racketball Series title on the line but also bragging rights on the family Whatsapp group. In the end this pressure proved too much for Stobart as Hudson came through as victor. 5 matches and still standing.
Helen Cann defeated Liz Arnell 2-0 in a straight women’s final. Cann is fast and fit and this retrieval in the end proved too much for Arnell. A title for Cann won on the “Nick Matthew Championship Court”. With both players competing in the B Grade and the doubles this was the first of many matches over the course of the day.
A very strong field took to the Over 40’s which due to a late withdrawal was set to be one big group in a round robin. Series favorite Adam Grilli started well and came through 2-0 against both local men Kevin Dudley and Richard Cobb. As one of the best Over 40’s Racketball players in the country Grilli might have been expected to add Hallamshire to his growing tally of titles. The Bexley champion however was defeated first by Ryan Loska and then by Murray Scott who was playing in his first ever event. This set up a fantastic final between Scott and Loska. The first game lasted over 25 minutes with Murray throwing everything at Loska, quick kills, reverse angles and corkscrews. As always with Loska though he refuses to go away. At Racketball he finds a rhythm and it seems impossible to bring him out of it. Another title for Loska but fantastic standard throughout the Over 40’s
After the withdrawal of Jason Russel it was a three way Hallamshire group in the A. Josh Park (the man responsible for the fantastic UK-Racketball Series 2018 design work, website, posters and shirts) ran hard all day but did not have enough to overcome Chris Duffy or Jason Fearn. The Fearn Duffy final was a great match between conflicting styles. Fearn is one of the most determined and fit competitors on tour but Duffy took the ball into the front amazingly well especially on the volley. Despite leading early on Fearn on the day could not match Duffy’s accuracy and was eventually defeated 2-0. This was Duffy’s first title but judging by how he played it will not be his last.
It was a full house in the doubles once again. Mike Fleming and Andy Ruff made a good start in group A with victories over the Loska’s and 60’s partnership of Marsden and Greensall. They did not have enough to see off the local partnership of Josh Park and Chris Duffy going down 2-0 in the group decider. Group B saw the newly formed team of Tom Swinden and Jason Fearn come through as victors. This was the first time that they had played doubles together making this a fantastic achievement.
After the withdrawal of Jason Russel it was a three way Hallamshire group in the A. Josh Park (the man responsible for the fantastic UK-Racketball Series 2018 design work, website, posters and shirts) ran hard all day but did not have enough to overcome Chris Duffy or Jason Fearn. The Fearn Duffy final was a great match between conflicting styles. Fearn is one of the most determined and fit competitors on tour but Duffy took the ball into the front amazingly well especially on the volley. Despite leading early on Fearn on the day could not match Duffy’s accuracy and was eventually defeated 2-0. This was Duffy’s first title but judging by how he played it will not be his last.
It was a full house in the doubles once again. Mike Fleming and Andy Ruff made a good start in group A with victories over the Loska’s and 60’s partnership of Marsden and Greensall. They did not have enough to see off the local partnership of Josh Park and Chris Duffy going down 2-0 in the group decider. Group B saw the newly formed team of Tom Swinden and Jason Fearn come through as victors. This was the first time that they had played doubles together making this a fantastic achievement.
In the final however Park and Duffy proved to fast and accurate, winning 2-0 to claim the second ever UK-Racketball doubles title. The doubles final became Fearn’s second defeat in a final that hour to Chris Duffy which must have hurt.
In the Over 50’s with only 1 ranking point between them it was always going to be close between Andy Ruff and Spencer Cooper and it was with Ruff clinching the match 2-1. Neither player was able to make much of an inroad against top seed Paul Dodds however who claimed the group with maximum points.
Group B saw another close rankings battle. Mike Fleming ranked 19 and Archie Lal ranked 20 both overcame the challenge from David Browne to set up the group decider. Once again the predictably close match came down to a decider this time going against the seedlings with Lal coming through 2-1.
In the quarters both 2nd place finishers saw off there competitors but then both failed to progress in the semis losing to group winners Lal and Dodds. In this format it heavily helps you if you finish top in the group as you have one less match to play. In the final Dodds started well and didn't look back, he claimed the Hallamshire title and 265 points which will lead to a big ranking rise.
In the Over 50’s with only 1 ranking point between them it was always going to be close between Andy Ruff and Spencer Cooper and it was with Ruff clinching the match 2-1. Neither player was able to make much of an inroad against top seed Paul Dodds however who claimed the group with maximum points.
Group B saw another close rankings battle. Mike Fleming ranked 19 and Archie Lal ranked 20 both overcame the challenge from David Browne to set up the group decider. Once again the predictably close match came down to a decider this time going against the seedlings with Lal coming through 2-1.
In the quarters both 2nd place finishers saw off there competitors but then both failed to progress in the semis losing to group winners Lal and Dodds. In this format it heavily helps you if you finish top in the group as you have one less match to play. In the final Dodds started well and didn't look back, he claimed the Hallamshire title and 265 points which will lead to a big ranking rise.
The Over 60's was one of the biggest draws that this category has ever had in the UK-Racketball Series. Two 5 man groups meant that you had 4 matches in the group to make the final. Colis Sheik the victor at Northumberland continued his run of form, not dropping a single game in the group stage.
Group B in the Over 60's proved more complicated. Top seed Graham Greensall was defeated by local Hallamshire legend Rob Welton 2-0 but Rob was in turn defeated 2-1 by Peter Marsden. It looked like Marsden was heading through but Greensall, never a man to give in defeated Marsden in the final group game of the day 2-0. Just one game would have seen Marsden through but as it was the game that Welton managed to take from Marsden earlier proved decisive seeing the Hallamshire man through to the finals. In the final Sheik proved too strong for Welton and added Hallamshire to his title collection.
Next up in the Series is Broxbourne on the 18th of August. Doubles will be running follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/e6---broxbourne--18th-august.html
Group B in the Over 60's proved more complicated. Top seed Graham Greensall was defeated by local Hallamshire legend Rob Welton 2-0 but Rob was in turn defeated 2-1 by Peter Marsden. It looked like Marsden was heading through but Greensall, never a man to give in defeated Marsden in the final group game of the day 2-0. Just one game would have seen Marsden through but as it was the game that Welton managed to take from Marsden earlier proved decisive seeing the Hallamshire man through to the finals. In the final Sheik proved too strong for Welton and added Hallamshire to his title collection.
Next up in the Series is Broxbourne on the 18th of August. Doubles will be running follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/e6---broxbourne--18th-august.html
Hallamshire Open Draws and Schedule 26th July
There have been some minor changes to a couple of draws so please check the latest draws below.
I have managed to avoid all direct court clashes I think but please let me know if you spot one.
Please be aware that anyone playing in multiple grades may have to play matches back to back. This is just the nature of the event, fortunately all matches are best of 3 but it will be hot so come prepared.
Tournament details to follow tomorrow.
I have managed to avoid all direct court clashes I think but please let me know if you spot one.
Please be aware that anyone playing in multiple grades may have to play matches back to back. This is just the nature of the event, fortunately all matches are best of 3 but it will be hot so come prepared.
Tournament details to follow tomorrow.
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Hallamshire Open Draws
The draws are up for this Saturday’s UK-Racketball Series event in Hallamshire. From what I can see the event is looking strong, especially the 40's and 60's so bring your A game or your running shoes!
I am after one more person for the doubles to make a complete draw of 8 teams. It is only £5.00 to play and you are guaranteed 3 matches, let me know if you are interested. I will upload the doubles draw when the last space has been filled.
If you spot any issues with the draws please let me know.
The schedule will be released tomorrow.
I am after one more person for the doubles to make a complete draw of 8 teams. It is only £5.00 to play and you are guaranteed 3 matches, let me know if you are interested. I will upload the doubles draw when the last space has been filled.
If you spot any issues with the draws please let me know.
The schedule will be released tomorrow.
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Entry List
Click on the file below to see the entry list. Draws will be out tomorrow, Wednesday and the schedule will be out on Thursday. For players needing rough timings the event will start at 10:00 and should finish around 17:00 or 18:00.
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Introduction
Last years tournament at Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club was a great success. Closely fought battles in all grades ensured a great day for all participants. Stephen Widdison caused upset in the group stages of the over 60s category to knock out the number one seed Hans Bilson 2-0. Widdison then went on to win the over 60s category in style, defeating Jez Horrocks 11/4 11/6.
Hallamshire is an obvious choice as a venue for a UK-Racketball Series Event. The Racketball section is one of the strongest, if not the strongest in the country, with plenty of group sessions running each week. The club runs a very successful racketball junior section on a Saturday morning, midweek women’s sessions and a very successful summer league.
Hallamshire is home to the Men’s England No. 1 and World No. 4 Nick Matthew. Players taking part in this year’s UK-Racketball event will have the chance to play on the Nick Matthew Championship Court.
The Racketball section at Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club has plenty of group sessions running each week and is one of the strongest, if not the strongest, in the country. The club runs a very successful junior, women’s and summer league. This racketball prestige makes Hallamshire an ideal choice as a venue for a UK-Racketball Series Event.
Last year was only the third event we have run at Hallamshire.
Hallamshire is an obvious choice as a venue for a UK-Racketball Series Event. The Racketball section is one of the strongest, if not the strongest in the country, with plenty of group sessions running each week. The club runs a very successful racketball junior section on a Saturday morning, midweek women’s sessions and a very successful summer league.
Hallamshire is home to the Men’s England No. 1 and World No. 4 Nick Matthew. Players taking part in this year’s UK-Racketball event will have the chance to play on the Nick Matthew Championship Court.
The Racketball section at Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club has plenty of group sessions running each week and is one of the strongest, if not the strongest, in the country. The club runs a very successful junior, women’s and summer league. This racketball prestige makes Hallamshire an ideal choice as a venue for a UK-Racketball Series Event.
Last year was only the third event we have run at Hallamshire.
Online Entry
Main Tournament Details
What: Hallamshire Racketball Open
When: Saturday 28th July
Where: Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: S11 8TA
Cost: £12.50 (£5 for tournament t-shirt)
or
£70.50 for whole series entry (including 2 t-shirts)
Online Entry: Follow this link
More Information: Email Mark Fuller mark@starsportsdevelopment.com or call Mark on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 28th July
Where: Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: S11 8TA
Cost: £12.50 (£5 for tournament t-shirt)
or
£70.50 for whole series entry (including 2 t-shirts)
Online Entry: Follow this link
More Information: Email Mark Fuller mark@starsportsdevelopment.com or call Mark on 07846 067505
Grades
It is important to remember that UK-Racketball Series events are designed to be inclusive. Although the A grade does attract the best racketball players in the country the events really are for players of all ages and abilities. We have never had a competitor who felt they were not good enough for an event when they took part.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players which makes for a fun
and competitive day.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60
Beginner – This is for players who have recently started racketball. Players who have previously
played squash to a high level and have now started playing racketball may be better off in the A or B grade.
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at info@uk-racketball.com and we will be happy to advise you.
If entries to a category are not sufficient grades may be merged, however all participants will always be informed in advance and they will have a choice if they would still like to play, this has never happened in the last three years.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players which makes for a fun
and competitive day.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60
Beginner – This is for players who have recently started racketball. Players who have previously
played squash to a high level and have now started playing racketball may be better off in the A or B grade.
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at info@uk-racketball.com and we will be happy to advise you.
If entries to a category are not sufficient grades may be merged, however all participants will always be informed in advance and they will have a choice if they would still like to play, this has never happened in the last three years.
Club Facilities
Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club has first class facilities including nine squash courts, eight outdoor tennis courts and four indoor courts. The club also hosts a modern gym and lovely bar area.
The bar will be open throughout the day with hot food available for most of the day.
The bar will be open throughout the day with hot food available for most of the day.
Club Location
Located in South Yorkshire with good motorway links to the South.
Yorkshire is a racketball hotbed so expect a good entry from the other centers that are close.
Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
716 Ecclesall Road
Sheffield
S11 8TA
Tel: 0114 266 2153
Enter Online Here
Yorkshire is a racketball hotbed so expect a good entry from the other centers that are close.
Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
716 Ecclesall Road
Sheffield
S11 8TA
Tel: 0114 266 2153
Enter Online Here
