Mike Keogh Memorial Cambridgeshire Open Report
The Cambridgeshire Racketball Open has been running for 7 years under the stewardship of Rennie Kapila and has gone from strength to strength throughout that period. It was fantastic that this year we have had the opportunity to incorporate the tournament fully into the UK-Racketball line-up and see the top locals take on our Series veterans. This year’s Cambridgeshire Racketball Open was rebranded The Mike Keogh Memorial Tournament in honour of a regular UK-Racketball Series player and Peterborough member described by Rennie as a true gentleman who loved his Racketball.
It was a full house and early sell out for the doubles with two groups of 4 and the winners making it through to the final. In Group A local pair Dan Soar and Callum McGurk made it through as champions but they were pushed all the way by Grantham Squash Clubs Nigel and Louie Truman with the deciding game being won on tie break. In group B experienced series players Alexis Smith and Paul Jenkins defeated the solid doubles pairing of Paul Norton and Adam Grilli 11/9 in the decider, both pairs could be ones to watch out for in the National Doubles Finals in December with good movement and doubles tactics coming through.
It was a full house and early sell out for the doubles with two groups of 4 and the winners making it through to the final. In Group A local pair Dan Soar and Callum McGurk made it through as champions but they were pushed all the way by Grantham Squash Clubs Nigel and Louie Truman with the deciding game being won on tie break. In group B experienced series players Alexis Smith and Paul Jenkins defeated the solid doubles pairing of Paul Norton and Adam Grilli 11/9 in the decider, both pairs could be ones to watch out for in the National Doubles Finals in December with good movement and doubles tactics coming through.
The final of the doubles was hard fought right from the start with neither paring managing to pull away with a lead. In the end it was the locals Soar and McGurk who hung on to clinch the first game 14/12. Taking the first set tiebreak ended up being the deciding factor in the contest with the second going the locals way 11/7. A first doubles title for the Soar/McGurk partnership.
Colin Griggs proved too strong for Box 1 in the Over 40’s where he defeated Lee-on-the-Solent champion Paul Norton 2-1. The players in Box 2 had to win 4 matches to earn their place in the final and it proved to be a closely fought box with lots of tiebreaks and closely contested fixtures. Andrew Hopwood made it through to his first ever UK-Racketball Series Final with controlled Racketball that is improving with each event. The final and his 5th match of the day proved to be one step too far for Hopwood though with Griggs being too strong and running out a comfortable winner 11/2, 11/3.
Despite dropping the first game of the day Chris Burton rallied well to take Box 1 in the Over 50’s. He was joined in the final by Woodford Well’s Marc Thornley who overcame stiff challenges from both Dave Morse and Paul Dodds in the group. Thornley proved too strong for Burton in the final winning 11/9, 11/2.
Colin Griggs proved too strong for Box 1 in the Over 40’s where he defeated Lee-on-the-Solent champion Paul Norton 2-1. The players in Box 2 had to win 4 matches to earn their place in the final and it proved to be a closely fought box with lots of tiebreaks and closely contested fixtures. Andrew Hopwood made it through to his first ever UK-Racketball Series Final with controlled Racketball that is improving with each event. The final and his 5th match of the day proved to be one step too far for Hopwood though with Griggs being too strong and running out a comfortable winner 11/2, 11/3.
Despite dropping the first game of the day Chris Burton rallied well to take Box 1 in the Over 50’s. He was joined in the final by Woodford Well’s Marc Thornley who overcame stiff challenges from both Dave Morse and Paul Dodds in the group. Thornley proved too strong for Burton in the final winning 11/9, 11/2.
A three-way group in the 60’s meant that the winners and top runner up would take the semi-final slots and decide the tournament. Patrick Osborn continued his fine run of UK-Racketball Series form in Box 1 with victories over Wayne Burbidge and Paul Clarke. Box two was a tight contest with players all taking games off each other. Barnsley’s Peter Fielding was the eventual winner defeating Gordon Lamb 2-1 and Mike King, new to the Series but improving fast and the 3rd place group finisher. The top seed in Box 3 Nick Sims was clinical and made the finals without dropping a game.
Lucky 2nd place finisher Gordon Lamb joined the group winners in the semi-finals but was defeated by in form Nick Sims. Despite not dropping a game all day Sims did not have enough when it came to the final against Osborn losing out to a man closing in on 20 titles.
Ian Graham is making a habit of claiming Over 70’s titles and the run of form continued in Peterborough with victory first against David Clark and then against Leicester’s Hans Billson in a very high quality tough game of Racketball.
Lucky 2nd place finisher Gordon Lamb joined the group winners in the semi-finals but was defeated by in form Nick Sims. Despite not dropping a game all day Sims did not have enough when it came to the final against Osborn losing out to a man closing in on 20 titles.
Ian Graham is making a habit of claiming Over 70’s titles and the run of form continued in Peterborough with victory first against David Clark and then against Leicester’s Hans Billson in a very high quality tough game of Racketball.
A few last minute adjustments to the B Grade left 3 groups of 3 players making every match a best of 5. Uxbridge player Tom Ash won box 1, Tim Rowland from Boston squash club box 2, and local Peterborough player Tim Millington standing in for Jeff Fillmore in box 3. They were met in the semi-finals by Boston player Brett Perkins who came through a tough lucky loser playoff match against Bradley Sawyer. Both Tim’s made it through the semi-finals with Tim Millington defeating Rowland 11/4, 9/11, 11/9 to take the title.
There were tough matches right the way through the open. Damian Burgress was carrying an injury and despite digging deep did not have enough to combat the hitting quality of Alexis Smith or the movement of Louie Truman. The box 1 decider between Smith and Truman was a classic clash of styles contest but in the end experience overcame youth with Smith progressing to the final.
Box 2 saw some of the hardest fought matches of the day with both Callum McGurk and Sam Booth taking Nigel Truman to 4 only to see the Grantham man pull away as he so often does in the final stages of a contest. With both finalists also playing doubles they had racked up some significant court time on the day. Despite this Smith started well in the final taking the first game 11/2 and didn’t look back, Truman fought right to the bitter end but it wasn’t enough. A first title for Alexis Smith after a fantastic display of attacking, creative Racketball!
There were tough matches right the way through the open. Damian Burgress was carrying an injury and despite digging deep did not have enough to combat the hitting quality of Alexis Smith or the movement of Louie Truman. The box 1 decider between Smith and Truman was a classic clash of styles contest but in the end experience overcame youth with Smith progressing to the final.
Box 2 saw some of the hardest fought matches of the day with both Callum McGurk and Sam Booth taking Nigel Truman to 4 only to see the Grantham man pull away as he so often does in the final stages of a contest. With both finalists also playing doubles they had racked up some significant court time on the day. Despite this Smith started well in the final taking the first game 11/2 and didn’t look back, Truman fought right to the bitter end but it wasn’t enough. A first title for Alexis Smith after a fantastic display of attacking, creative Racketball!
Special notice should be made to Peterborough Town Sports Club a centre that over lockdown continued with it’s project of renovating it’s show court and investing in it’s squash and Racketball set up. It is a family club, has a great positive vibe, lovely people behind it and is doing a lot of good for our sport. The club is currently looking for a coach, if you know anyone who might be interested then please let me know.
A brilliant day was had by all at Peterborough Town Sports Club, we can’t wait to be back next year!
Next up our tour heads to Leamington for The West of England Racketball Open. This event always sells out so make sure that you get your entry in as soon as you can to avoid disappointment - https://www.uk-racketball.com/e7---west-of-england-racketball-open---2nd-july.html
A brilliant day was had by all at Peterborough Town Sports Club, we can’t wait to be back next year!
Next up our tour heads to Leamington for The West of England Racketball Open. This event always sells out so make sure that you get your entry in as soon as you can to avoid disappointment - https://www.uk-racketball.com/e7---west-of-england-racketball-open---2nd-july.html
Mike Keogh Memorial Cambridgeshire Open introduction
Building on the highly successful East of England Open of 2021, UK-Racketball are thrilled to announce the newest event to the series, the Mike Keogh Memorial Cambridgeshire Open 2022. Although Peterborough has played host to a number of independent events in the past, this will be the first time that the UK-Racketball Series officially visits the Cambridgeshire venue.
After adding a fifth court to the club in 2020, courtesy of a highly successful GoFundMe campaign, the City of Peterborough Sports Club is looking better than ever, and it's a perfect time for the series to visit this fantastic facility. We can't wait for what is sure to be a competitive and enjoyable day of Racketball in Cambridgeshire!
A great feature of the new show court is the window box in the front wall. In 2022 we managed to capture some amazing shots from here! Head to our Facebook page here to see what we mean and join the action this year for your action shot!
Mike Keogh was a longstanding member of the UK Racketball Community. He was highly passionate about the sport, constantly working hard for ways to improve its organisation and encourage new players into the fold. He always gave his all, on- or off-court, and was a much-loved member of the community. Mike sadly passed away in 2016, and the Cambridgeshire Open is named after him to honour his memory.
https://www.uk-racketball.com/home/racketball-legend-mike-keogh
After adding a fifth court to the club in 2020, courtesy of a highly successful GoFundMe campaign, the City of Peterborough Sports Club is looking better than ever, and it's a perfect time for the series to visit this fantastic facility. We can't wait for what is sure to be a competitive and enjoyable day of Racketball in Cambridgeshire!
A great feature of the new show court is the window box in the front wall. In 2022 we managed to capture some amazing shots from here! Head to our Facebook page here to see what we mean and join the action this year for your action shot!
Mike Keogh was a longstanding member of the UK Racketball Community. He was highly passionate about the sport, constantly working hard for ways to improve its organisation and encourage new players into the fold. He always gave his all, on- or off-court, and was a much-loved member of the community. Mike sadly passed away in 2016, and the Cambridgeshire Open is named after him to honour his memory.
https://www.uk-racketball.com/home/racketball-legend-mike-keogh
Online entry through sportyhq
For 2022 UK-Racketball have partnered with SportyHQ to make online entries work even smoother
Follow this link to enter online - https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-5-Mike-Keogh-Memorial-Cambridgeshire-Open-28th-May-Peterborough
We have created a user guide to walk you through the process and make it as easy as possible - follow this link to access online - https://www.uk-racketball.com/series-faqs.html
Follow this link to enter online - https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-5-Mike-Keogh-Memorial-Cambridgeshire-Open-28th-May-Peterborough
We have created a user guide to walk you through the process and make it as easy as possible - follow this link to access online - https://www.uk-racketball.com/series-faqs.html
main tournament details
What: The Mike Keogh Memorial Cambridgeshire Open
When: Saturday 28th May
Where: City of Peterborough Sports Club
Postcode: PE3 9UZ
Closing Date for Entries: Friday 20th May
Cost: £17.50 (£8.50 for tournament t-shirt, high quality, quick dry, sublimated print)
Covid Regulations: This event will comply fully with the Covid 19 regulations at the time of competition
For more information, contact [email protected] or if you enquiry is urgent call on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 28th May
Where: City of Peterborough Sports Club
Postcode: PE3 9UZ
Closing Date for Entries: Friday 20th May
Cost: £17.50 (£8.50 for tournament t-shirt, high quality, quick dry, sublimated print)
Covid Regulations: This event will comply fully with the Covid 19 regulations at the time of competition
For more information, contact [email protected] or if you enquiry is urgent call on 07846 067505
Cambridgeshire open hall of fame
Peterborough Sports Club has been home to the Cambridgeshire Racketball Open since 2013. Open the PDF below to see the role of honour for this great event.
| cambridgeshire_racketball_open_roll_of_honour.pdf |
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
Over 70's - For players over the age of 70
Doubles – limited to 8 pairs, Racketball rules apply, follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/racketball-doubles-rules.html
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at a[email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
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
Over 70's - For players over the age of 70
Doubles – limited to 8 pairs, Racketball rules apply, follow this link for more information - http://www.uk-racketball.com/racketball-doubles-rules.html
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at a[email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
club facilities
The City of Peterborough Sports Club has over 180 members. There are 5 courts, one of which is an amazing brand new glass back show court, which was opened in May 2021.
The Sports Bar has recently been refurbished and is a great place to catch up with friends over a coffee, have a post-game drink or watch live sport on a large projector screen! There is plenty of comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi for members and businesses, making it a relaxing place to enjoy a drink or bite to eat.
Their experienced team will welcome members and guests to City of Peterborough Sports Club, while the fully stocked, licensed bar is open 7 days a week.
The Sports Bar has recently been refurbished and is a great place to catch up with friends over a coffee, have a post-game drink or watch live sport on a large projector screen! There is plenty of comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi for members and businesses, making it a relaxing place to enjoy a drink or bite to eat.
Their experienced team will welcome members and guests to City of Peterborough Sports Club, while the fully stocked, licensed bar is open 7 days a week.
club location
Peterborough is located in Cambridgeshire near the East Midlands Border, not too far from Nottingham and Leicester. The city is well-connected, being just off the A1, and so can be easily accessed from the North and South as well.
City of Peterborough Sports Club
Bretton Gate
Peterborough
Cambridgeshire
PE3 9UZ
01733 262202
Visit the club website for more information: http://www.cityofpeterboroughsportsclub.co.uk/
City of Peterborough Sports Club
Bretton Gate
Peterborough
Cambridgeshire
PE3 9UZ
01733 262202
Visit the club website for more information: http://www.cityofpeterboroughsportsclub.co.uk/
