London Racketball Open - Results
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London Racketball Open - Report
On Saturday the UK-Racketball Series was back in the birthplace of Racketball Bexley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club for a second year running. This year’s event did not disappoint with a sold out entry list and top players taking part across all of the grades.
In the A Grade no.1 seed Joe Blackmur the victor of The East of England event at the start of the year continued his good run of UK-Racketball form with 2-0 victories over Hannan Tabassum and Adam Beedie in the group stages. In Group B unseeded Callum Arnott from the Isle of Wright started the day well with two solid victories in the group including over local hero Keith Mabey.
Victories in the quarterfinals saw both Maybe and Beedie progress to the semi finals but they were unable to defeat the group winners who were waiting for them. The final proved to be a great match between two inform players. Blackmur took the first game on a tiebreak only to then lose the second comfortably. The third saw both players leading at different times but it was Blackmur who pulled away in the middle to set up a 10/7 lead and three championship balls. Arnotts response was impressive. Not only did he save the match balls but he then went through Blackmur in the tie break, 5 straight points just when it looked like the match was finished and the first title ever for the Isle of Man player!
In the A Grade no.1 seed Joe Blackmur the victor of The East of England event at the start of the year continued his good run of UK-Racketball form with 2-0 victories over Hannan Tabassum and Adam Beedie in the group stages. In Group B unseeded Callum Arnott from the Isle of Wright started the day well with two solid victories in the group including over local hero Keith Mabey.
Victories in the quarterfinals saw both Maybe and Beedie progress to the semi finals but they were unable to defeat the group winners who were waiting for them. The final proved to be a great match between two inform players. Blackmur took the first game on a tiebreak only to then lose the second comfortably. The third saw both players leading at different times but it was Blackmur who pulled away in the middle to set up a 10/7 lead and three championship balls. Arnotts response was impressive. Not only did he save the match balls but he then went through Blackmur in the tie break, 5 straight points just when it looked like the match was finished and the first title ever for the Isle of Man player!
It was a big draw in the B Grade with 14 players. The first of the semi finals saw the winner of Group A Nic Barnes defeating the winner of Group B Chris Peer 2-0. It was two Uxbride players who met in the second Semi Final of the day with Tom Ash the victor of Group C emerging triumphant against David Hurts of Group A. As is often the case in Group A the final was a battle between two runners. By the time of the final both players had won 8 games of Racketball and needed just two more to be crowned champions. In the end it was Barnes who had the legs taking the final 2-0.
Last year at Bexley was the first time that doubles had been run at a UK-Racketball Series event and since then it has built to encompass the whole Series. Two local Bexley pairs progressed through the groups as champions in the doubles. Mark Banfield and Rob Lewis took Grade A with Keith Mabey and Paul Wainwright claiming Group B. Both pairs maintained their good form in the Semi Finals with Banfield/Lewis defeating the Robinson/Cox (who incidentally made a great partnership) and Maybe/Wainwright beating the Tabassum’s 2-0. The final was a great display of Racketball doubles between two experienced pairs.
Last year at Bexley was the first time that doubles had been run at a UK-Racketball Series event and since then it has built to encompass the whole Series. Two local Bexley pairs progressed through the groups as champions in the doubles. Mark Banfield and Rob Lewis took Grade A with Keith Mabey and Paul Wainwright claiming Group B. Both pairs maintained their good form in the Semi Finals with Banfield/Lewis defeating the Robinson/Cox (who incidentally made a great partnership) and Maybe/Wainwright beating the Tabassum’s 2-0. The final was a great display of Racketball doubles between two experienced pairs.
The London Open’s Over 40’s draw was the biggest that category had seen so far this year with players needing to win 4 matches just to make it through the group stages. Michael Wardle came close in Group A defeating both Adam Beedie and Paul Bernard but he came unstuck against Hugo Feitor from Bromley losing 2-1. Feitor was in tern defeated by group winner Paul Woodruff 2-0 in what proved to be the group decider.
Group B’s top seed and inform Spencer Harris had a hard start to the day but rallied with victories over Steven Knight and Nic Barnes but these were too late to proceed through to the final. The group decider as a result was between Kingsood’s Dan Carvosso and Sundridge’s Justin Jardine. On the day it went the way of the Sundrige player who claimed a 2-0 victory. The final was the 5th match of the day for both players and ended with Woodruff victorious.
Due to the late injury and withdrawal of Sukhbinder Bains it was a straight final between Jo Robinson and Lorna West. Lorna West claimed the Over 45’s National Title in Birmingham but this was her first ever UK-Racketball Series event. In a lovely well-spirited game that saw the new comer come through victorious and claim her maiden title. It must be mentioned that this was Robinson’s third event of the day. She was competing in the Over 60’s and made the semi finals of the doubles with Russell Cox.
Group B’s top seed and inform Spencer Harris had a hard start to the day but rallied with victories over Steven Knight and Nic Barnes but these were too late to proceed through to the final. The group decider as a result was between Kingsood’s Dan Carvosso and Sundridge’s Justin Jardine. On the day it went the way of the Sundrige player who claimed a 2-0 victory. The final was the 5th match of the day for both players and ended with Woodruff victorious.
Due to the late injury and withdrawal of Sukhbinder Bains it was a straight final between Jo Robinson and Lorna West. Lorna West claimed the Over 45’s National Title in Birmingham but this was her first ever UK-Racketball Series event. In a lovely well-spirited game that saw the new comer come through victorious and claim her maiden title. It must be mentioned that this was Robinson’s third event of the day. She was competing in the Over 60’s and made the semi finals of the doubles with Russell Cox.
The Over 50’s was once again the biggest draw of the day with 20 players competing in 5 groups each of which had 4 players in. This meant that you almost certainly needed to win 3 matches in the groups to progress, in Groups D and E three victories would only take you as far as the quarters. A late withdrawal from the 2 seed Paul Dodds opened up Group E and saw Nicholas Harrington take the quarterfinals slot. Harrington was joined by Group D’s victor Michael Wardle who defeated local hero Mark Banfield 2-0 in the group decider and local grudge match. Wardle continued his run of good form defeating Harrington 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
The Over 50’s semi finals were as always brutal encounters. The match between Fred Cooke and Rob Hambrook was arguably one of the most competitive and hard fought encounters of the day. Cooke almost thought and talked his was to victory, as ever using all his tricks to break the rhythm and concentration of his opponent but Hambrook maintained his cool and concentration, booking his place in the final 2-1. In the opposite semi Wardle’s run of form ended at the hands of Buckner 2-0. By the time of the final the players had already played 9 matches over the course of the day. A good start was always going to be important and it was the England No.1 Hambrook who made it. Despite fighting hard throughout Buckner did not have enough to see him through. 2-0 to Hambrook and another title to add to the collection.
In a very strong Over 60’s competition both of the top seeds failed to make it through the groups with Gordon Lamb being defeated by Glenn McCelland in Group A and Terry Horne taking Group B away from Jo Robinson. The 60’s final was the longest match of the day. Horne just held on to take the first game 12/10 before an incredible 2nd. Horne had a match ball saved by McCelland to set up another tiebreak. The game then seesawed between game ball for McCelland and match ball for Horne right up until 17/17. With 34 points already played Horne finally pulled away to claim victory. What a final with the Over 60’s once again proving quite how dogged they are in a final!
The London Racketball Open was another busy day for the UK-Racketball Series. Over 120 matches took place over 11 hours of competitive play. A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped to make the day the success that it was. Next in the UK-Racketball Series we head to Leamington Spa for the West of England Racketball Open on the 7th of September, spaces are already filling up fast so enter now to avoid disappointment http://www.uk-racketball.com/e7---west-of-england-racketball-open---7th-september.html
The Over 50’s semi finals were as always brutal encounters. The match between Fred Cooke and Rob Hambrook was arguably one of the most competitive and hard fought encounters of the day. Cooke almost thought and talked his was to victory, as ever using all his tricks to break the rhythm and concentration of his opponent but Hambrook maintained his cool and concentration, booking his place in the final 2-1. In the opposite semi Wardle’s run of form ended at the hands of Buckner 2-0. By the time of the final the players had already played 9 matches over the course of the day. A good start was always going to be important and it was the England No.1 Hambrook who made it. Despite fighting hard throughout Buckner did not have enough to see him through. 2-0 to Hambrook and another title to add to the collection.
In a very strong Over 60’s competition both of the top seeds failed to make it through the groups with Gordon Lamb being defeated by Glenn McCelland in Group A and Terry Horne taking Group B away from Jo Robinson. The 60’s final was the longest match of the day. Horne just held on to take the first game 12/10 before an incredible 2nd. Horne had a match ball saved by McCelland to set up another tiebreak. The game then seesawed between game ball for McCelland and match ball for Horne right up until 17/17. With 34 points already played Horne finally pulled away to claim victory. What a final with the Over 60’s once again proving quite how dogged they are in a final!
The London Racketball Open was another busy day for the UK-Racketball Series. Over 120 matches took place over 11 hours of competitive play. A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped to make the day the success that it was. Next in the UK-Racketball Series we head to Leamington Spa for the West of England Racketball Open on the 7th of September, spaces are already filling up fast so enter now to avoid disappointment http://www.uk-racketball.com/e7---west-of-england-racketball-open---7th-september.html
London Racketball Open - Draws and Schedule 9th August
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London Racketball Open - Entry List 2nd August - Event FULL
Entries close this week. Open the file below to see who has entered so far...
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London Racketball Open Introduction
The Kent and North London area is a growing hotspot for Racketball with many players supporting events all round the UK. The London Racketball Open gives these players a chance to fight it out for titles on home soil at Bexley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club. Expect a big entry for this one both locally and from the rest of the UK with Bexley having a very strong local Racketball following.
In 2018 Bexley was the first Series event to incorporate doubles. It was such a success that we have rolled the idea out to all of our venues for 2019. The first ever doubles final on the UK-Racketball Series was an all Bexley affair with both of the finalist pairs Ted Jeal/Billy Jones and Keith Mabey/Rob Lewis from the club. In the end the combination of Jeal and Jones won through victorious. In the final event of the 2018 season Jeal/Jones went on to claim the National Racketball Doubles crown and they are still unbeaten as a pairing in competitive competition.
Bexley Lawn Tennis Club has a spacious and welcoming bar area. Very well maintained facilities with two glass back show courts that are great for spectating. Racketball at Bexley has an amazing history and without it the game might not exist at all. Scroll to below the tournament information to read an article on Ian Wright who helped to shape Racketball in the UK.
In 2018 Bexley was the first Series event to incorporate doubles. It was such a success that we have rolled the idea out to all of our venues for 2019. The first ever doubles final on the UK-Racketball Series was an all Bexley affair with both of the finalist pairs Ted Jeal/Billy Jones and Keith Mabey/Rob Lewis from the club. In the end the combination of Jeal and Jones won through victorious. In the final event of the 2018 season Jeal/Jones went on to claim the National Racketball Doubles crown and they are still unbeaten as a pairing in competitive competition.
Bexley Lawn Tennis Club has a spacious and welcoming bar area. Very well maintained facilities with two glass back show courts that are great for spectating. Racketball at Bexley has an amazing history and without it the game might not exist at all. Scroll to below the tournament information to read an article on Ian Wright who helped to shape Racketball in the UK.
Main Tournament Details
What: Bexley Racketball Open
When: Saturday 10th August
Where: Bexley Lawn Tennis, Squash and Racketball Club
Postcode: DA5 1AX
Cost: £13.50 (£7.80 high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Entries Closing Date: Friday 2nd August
More Information: Email Mark Fuller [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 10th August
Where: Bexley Lawn Tennis, Squash and Racketball Club
Postcode: DA5 1AX
Cost: £13.50 (£7.80 high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Entries Closing Date: Friday 2nd August
More Information: Email Mark Fuller [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505
Racketball History in Bexley
Ian Wright, Club Secretary, introduced the game of Squash to the club in 1965 and acted as foreman to build the second court for under £3,000 in 1967. The court fee for 40 minutes was 10p per player. Some ten years later, Ian experimented with some short handled rackets and the core of a tennis ball as an alternative game for dual use of Squash Courts.
Ian wrote a set of rules and a constitution for an association for this new game of Racketball.
On 13th February 1984, in Stourbridge LTC, the British Racketball Association was founded, having adopted Ian’s Rules and Constitution and elected Ian as its first Honorary Secretary.
The Sports Council, on 30th October 1984, officially recognised the British Racketball Association as the Governing Body for the sport. Membership stood at 55 clubs with 239 individual members.
By 1988 the Individual Membership of the British Racketball Association stood at 650 members and a Sports Council survey found there to be 30,000 players in the UK.
In 1998, control of the game passed to England Squash, with Ian Wright, as Vice President of the Governing Body, becoming Chairman of the Racketball Committee.
The game has flourished in the Bexley Club with 72 players in the internal Racketball League and the Club teams, arguably, the best in the South East of England.
Bexley Club Members have won Kent and England Championships
KENT CHAMPIONS:
Rob Lewis and Mark Steeden,
Nick Eagle (Over 35), Ray Jennings (Over 35), Paul Slater (Over 35),
John Prowse and Peter Lewis (Over 55), Ian Wright (Over 65), Nicky Slater (Over 35).
ENGLAND CHAMPIONS
Ian Wright (Over 50, Over 65 and Over 70), Peter Lewis (Over 55),
John Prowse (Over 60), Paul Slater (Over 35).
The club currently has internal squash and racketball leagues and runs 5 squash teams in the North Kent Priory League and a Racketball team in the South East Region Racketball League along with 2 junior teams in the Kent league. Bexley is home to UK-Racketball Series legend and winner of 16 Titles Ted Jeal.
Ian wrote a set of rules and a constitution for an association for this new game of Racketball.
On 13th February 1984, in Stourbridge LTC, the British Racketball Association was founded, having adopted Ian’s Rules and Constitution and elected Ian as its first Honorary Secretary.
The Sports Council, on 30th October 1984, officially recognised the British Racketball Association as the Governing Body for the sport. Membership stood at 55 clubs with 239 individual members.
By 1988 the Individual Membership of the British Racketball Association stood at 650 members and a Sports Council survey found there to be 30,000 players in the UK.
In 1998, control of the game passed to England Squash, with Ian Wright, as Vice President of the Governing Body, becoming Chairman of the Racketball Committee.
The game has flourished in the Bexley Club with 72 players in the internal Racketball League and the Club teams, arguably, the best in the South East of England.
Bexley Club Members have won Kent and England Championships
KENT CHAMPIONS:
Rob Lewis and Mark Steeden,
Nick Eagle (Over 35), Ray Jennings (Over 35), Paul Slater (Over 35),
John Prowse and Peter Lewis (Over 55), Ian Wright (Over 65), Nicky Slater (Over 35).
ENGLAND CHAMPIONS
Ian Wright (Over 50, Over 65 and Over 70), Peter Lewis (Over 55),
John Prowse (Over 60), Paul Slater (Over 35).
The club currently has internal squash and racketball leagues and runs 5 squash teams in the North Kent Priory League and a Racketball team in the South East Region Racketball League along with 2 junior teams in the Kent league. Bexley is home to UK-Racketball Series legend and winner of 16 Titles Ted Jeal.
Grades
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. Players must be female.
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.
DOUBLES – Players of all ages and abilities, find a partner and go for it. A reminder of the Racketball Doubles rules can be found here…
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at [email protected] 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.
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. Players must be female.
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.
DOUBLES – Players of all ages and abilities, find a partner and go for it. A reminder of the Racketball Doubles rules can be found here…
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at [email protected] 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.
Club Facilities
Bexley Lawn Tennis Squash & Racketball Club has the reputation as one of the premier squash clubs in Kent and the South East Region.It has 5 squash courts with balcony viewing, 2 of these are glass backed championship courts with a seating area. Many professionals use the club to train on a regular basis under the tutelage of Head Coach Ben Ford, this has resulted in the courts being very well maintained. The club also has a lovely bar area situated just away from the squash courts so as to provide easy access but with enough distance to give you an escape from the Racketball if needed! Some very nice coffee shops are also located very close by to the club.
Club Location
Bexley Tennis, Squash and Racketball Club
Parkhurst Road
Bexley
DA5 1AX
Parkhurst Road
Bexley
DA5 1AX
What happened in 2018... Bexley Racketball Open - Results and Reports
For all the photos from the day follow this link - www.facebook.com/UKRacketballSeries/
For all the videos follow this link to Laurence Ogden's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOCDhogUhLhXdcGnD58Nlbw/videos
For all the videos follow this link to Laurence Ogden's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOCDhogUhLhXdcGnD58Nlbw/videos
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Bexley Racketball Open
The UK-Racketball Series was hosted by Bexley Lawn Tennis Squash and Racketball Club for the first time on Saturday. Bexley has an amazing Racketball history with Ian Wright introducing Racketball to the club back in 1975. His experiments with a shorter handle racket and bouncier ball lead to the constitution for association of a new game called Racketball.
For more information on the Ian Wright and the beginnings of Racketball follow this link - http://www.uk-racketball.com/rb-history-ian-wright-and-bexley.html
The Bexley Racketball Open predictably had a strong entry level with players from around the country coming to compete with the local areas best. Throughout the day and across the grades we saw some fantastic matches with more titles for Series regulars but some tough matches against a very strong local contingent.
For more information on the Ian Wright and the beginnings of Racketball follow this link - http://www.uk-racketball.com/rb-history-ian-wright-and-bexley.html
The Bexley Racketball Open predictably had a strong entry level with players from around the country coming to compete with the local areas best. Throughout the day and across the grades we saw some fantastic matches with more titles for Series regulars but some tough matches against a very strong local contingent.
The A Grade went according to seeding’s almost throughout with Ted Jeal and Billy Jones winning their groups respectively and setting up a much anticipated local boys final. In the end Jeal came through as a comfortable winner 2-0 but Jones pushed him harder than he ever has in the past and is definitely one to watch in the future.
Mike Watson claimed the B Grade title in Harrogate but struggled in the groups in Bexley failing to continue his solid form from the North. His victory over Lee Sadler was not enough to see him through the group with Sadler winning his remaining matches. Andy Blackman from Parklangly won all three group matches without dropping a game to set up the final against Sadler.
A recent run of losses in UK-Racketball Series finals ended for Lee Sadler in Bexley with victory over Blackman 2-1. It was a gutsy performance on a hot back court in a match where both players had their chances. When the going gets tough Sadler steps up.
The Over 40’s in Harrogate had proved a disappointment for Adam Grilli but he was back to his best at Bexley. Grilli avenged his defeat to Peter Ellicock two weeks ago before going on to claim a spot in the final with victories over Justin Jardine and Paul Barnard. Group B was a tight affair with three players beating each other. Veteran UK-Racketball Series player Phillip Hall came through victorious however without dropping a game again Spencer Harris, Paul Mcleod and Chris Carter. The opening game in the final went Grilli’s way before Hall played a very high level game to level at 1-1. The 3rd came down to fitness and in the end Grilli was too strong on the day for Hall, taking his first UK-Racketball Series title of the season. Victory at Bexley takes Grilli to second place in the overall Series rankings.
Mike Watson claimed the B Grade title in Harrogate but struggled in the groups in Bexley failing to continue his solid form from the North. His victory over Lee Sadler was not enough to see him through the group with Sadler winning his remaining matches. Andy Blackman from Parklangly won all three group matches without dropping a game to set up the final against Sadler.
A recent run of losses in UK-Racketball Series finals ended for Lee Sadler in Bexley with victory over Blackman 2-1. It was a gutsy performance on a hot back court in a match where both players had their chances. When the going gets tough Sadler steps up.
The Over 40’s in Harrogate had proved a disappointment for Adam Grilli but he was back to his best at Bexley. Grilli avenged his defeat to Peter Ellicock two weeks ago before going on to claim a spot in the final with victories over Justin Jardine and Paul Barnard. Group B was a tight affair with three players beating each other. Veteran UK-Racketball Series player Phillip Hall came through victorious however without dropping a game again Spencer Harris, Paul Mcleod and Chris Carter. The opening game in the final went Grilli’s way before Hall played a very high level game to level at 1-1. The 3rd came down to fitness and in the end Grilli was too strong on the day for Hall, taking his first UK-Racketball Series title of the season. Victory at Bexley takes Grilli to second place in the overall Series rankings.
As is the case so often the Over 50’s proved the largest draw of the day. Patrick Osborn continued where he left off in Harrogate with a straight games victory in Group A. Manuel Costa, who has travelled from Portugal for UK-Racketball tournaments since 2012 overcame the challenge from Lee Sadler in Group B 2-1 before closing out matches against local Terry Jeal and Series veteran Andy Ruff 2-0.
In Group C Nick Harrington pushed Mark Banfield hard but was unable to close out the win. The group was decided by the contest between Banfield and England no.7 Marc Thornley, on this occasion Thornley came out on top 2-0. Dan Fernandez proved too strong for group D and booked a comfortable place in the semi’s.
It was a triumph for the seeding’s in the Over 50’s with 3 of the top seeds making it through to the semi finals to face off against the Portuguese no.1 Costa. Both semi final were taken to a deciding game before the top seeds showed their resilience to see off the challenges. Osborn defeated Costa in a great demonstration of Racketball skill with Fernandez having to battle hard to make it past a determined Thornley. In the final Osborn proved too strong for Fernandez with a 2-0 victory and his second title this season.
Going into the Over 60’s Stephen Widdison was on an unbeaten run of 25 matches but this was set to be his toughest challenge yet with a very strong local entry. Widdison had to fight hard right from the start with both Trevor Grant and David Worrall taking him to a decider in the opening matches. In Group B all three players defeated each other, due to game results only a two way tie was calculated and with Marsden dropping less games he made it through as group leader. Peter Marsden claimed the top spot with Alan Thatcher earning second place.
It looked like it would be crucial in the 60’s to make it through the group in 1st place. This set up a bye through the quarter finals and into the semi’s which on paper looked invaluable. On the day however it was not the case. First Grant overcame Marsden 2-1 before the upset of the day saw Widdison defeated by Worrall (the player who had finished bottom of Group A). The final was a brutal game of Racketball, both players had battled through four matches each before the final stated. Worrall had played 11 games to Grants 12. The final unbelievably went all the way to a decider as well but in the end Worrall had just enough to finish the event off claiming victory 2-1.
In Group C Nick Harrington pushed Mark Banfield hard but was unable to close out the win. The group was decided by the contest between Banfield and England no.7 Marc Thornley, on this occasion Thornley came out on top 2-0. Dan Fernandez proved too strong for group D and booked a comfortable place in the semi’s.
It was a triumph for the seeding’s in the Over 50’s with 3 of the top seeds making it through to the semi finals to face off against the Portuguese no.1 Costa. Both semi final were taken to a deciding game before the top seeds showed their resilience to see off the challenges. Osborn defeated Costa in a great demonstration of Racketball skill with Fernandez having to battle hard to make it past a determined Thornley. In the final Osborn proved too strong for Fernandez with a 2-0 victory and his second title this season.
Going into the Over 60’s Stephen Widdison was on an unbeaten run of 25 matches but this was set to be his toughest challenge yet with a very strong local entry. Widdison had to fight hard right from the start with both Trevor Grant and David Worrall taking him to a decider in the opening matches. In Group B all three players defeated each other, due to game results only a two way tie was calculated and with Marsden dropping less games he made it through as group leader. Peter Marsden claimed the top spot with Alan Thatcher earning second place.
It looked like it would be crucial in the 60’s to make it through the group in 1st place. This set up a bye through the quarter finals and into the semi’s which on paper looked invaluable. On the day however it was not the case. First Grant overcame Marsden 2-1 before the upset of the day saw Widdison defeated by Worrall (the player who had finished bottom of Group A). The final was a brutal game of Racketball, both players had battled through four matches each before the final stated. Worrall had played 11 games to Grants 12. The final unbelievably went all the way to a decider as well but in the end Worrall had just enough to finish the event off claiming victory 2-1.
Bexley was the first time that we had experimented with a doubles draw alongside the singles competition at a UK-Racketball Series event and it proved to be a great success. Patrick Osborn and Marc Thornley came through their early encounters against Mark Banfield/ Elliot Knight and Adam Grilli/ Mike O’Brien. Matches were long on the hot Bexley courts and very competitive but the pair did not have enough to overcome the challenge from top seeds Ted Jeal and Billy Jones.
The battle for second place was tight in group B between Dan Fernandez / Manuel Costa and local boys Ian Scanlan / Vinny Dunmall. The Home Counties and Portuguese combination of Fernandez and Costa proved too accurate for the fighting spirit of Scanlan and Dunmall with a 2-1. However they did not have enough to compete the group being defeated by Keith Mabey / Rob Lewis who proved a very effective doubles pairing.
The doubles final in the end proved to be a one sided affair with Jeal and Jones proving too strong for Mabey and Lewis and securing the first ever UK-Racketball Series doubles title.
Next up in the Series is Northumberland on the 23rd of June. Head to www.uk-racketball.com for details on the remaining events this year.
The battle for second place was tight in group B between Dan Fernandez / Manuel Costa and local boys Ian Scanlan / Vinny Dunmall. The Home Counties and Portuguese combination of Fernandez and Costa proved too accurate for the fighting spirit of Scanlan and Dunmall with a 2-1. However they did not have enough to compete the group being defeated by Keith Mabey / Rob Lewis who proved a very effective doubles pairing.
The doubles final in the end proved to be a one sided affair with Jeal and Jones proving too strong for Mabey and Lewis and securing the first ever UK-Racketball Series doubles title.
Next up in the Series is Northumberland on the 23rd of June. Head to www.uk-racketball.com for details on the remaining events this year.
Bexley Racketball Open - 9th June
E4 of the 2018 UK-Racketball Series
Due to very popular demand the Series has added in a 10th event for the 2018 Series, The Bexley Racketball Open. The Kent and North London area is a growing hotspot for Racketball with many players supporting events all round the UK. The Bexley Racketball Open gives these players a chance to fight it out for titles on home soil. Expect a big entry for this one both locally and from the rest of the UK with Bexley being a Racketball hotspot in a good location and a lovely club.
The Bexley Racketball Open will host the first incorporation of doubles into the Series. Players already entering the singles at Bexley will be able to sign up for the doubles at only £5.00 a person. The doubles structure will be the same as the singles with group stages leading into a knockout and results will count towards the overall Series ranking list. If the incorporation of doubles into the event at Bexley is a success hopefully we will see it being rolled out into the other venues of the UK-Racketball Series.
Racketball at Bexley has an amazing history and without it the game might not exist at all. Scroll to below the tournament information to read an article on Ian Wright who helped to shape Racketball in the UK.
Main Tournament Details
What: Bexley Racketball Open
When: Saturday 9th June
Where: Bexley Lawn Tennis, Squash and Racketball Club
Postcode: DA5 1AX
Singles Cost: £12.50 (£5 for tournament t-shirt)
Doubles Cost: £5.00 per person alongside singles entry
Online Entry: Follow this link
More Information: Email Mark Fuller [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505
Racketball History at Bexley
Ian Wright, Club Secretary, introduced the game of Squash to the club in 1965 and acted as foreman to build the second court for under £3,000 in 1967. The court fee for 40 minutes was 10p per player. Some ten years later, Ian experimented with some short handled rackets and the core of a tennis ball as an alternative game for dual use of Squash Courts.
Ian wrote a set of rules and a constitution for an association for this new game of Racketball.
On 13th February 1984, in Stourbridge LTC, the British Racketball Association was founded, having adopted Ian’s Rules and Constitution and elected Ian as its first Honorary Secretary.
The Sports Council, on 30th October 1984, officially recognised the British Racketball Association as the Governing Body for the sport. Membership stood at 55 clubs with 239 individual members.
By 1988 the Individual Membership of the British Racketball Association stood at 650 members and a Sports Council survey found there to be 30,000 players in the UK.
In 1998, control of the game passed to England Squash, with Ian Wright, as Vice President of the Governing Body, becoming Chairman of the Racketball Committee.
The game has flourished in the Bexley Club with 72 players in the internal Racketball League and the Club teams, arguably, the best in the South East of England.
Bexley Club Members have won Kent and England Championships
KENT CHAMPIONS:
Rob Lewis and Mark Steeden,
Nick Eagle (Over 35), Ray Jennings (Over 35), Paul Slater (Over 35),
John Prowse and Peter Lewis (Over 55), Ian Wright (Over 65), Nicky Slater (Over 35).
ENGLAND CHAMPIONS
Ian Wright (Over 50, Over 65 and Over 70), Peter Lewis (Over 55),
John Prowse (Over 60), Paul Slater (Over 35).
The club currently has internal squash and racketball leagues and runs 5 squash teams in the North Kent Priory League and a Racketball team in the South East Region Racketball League along with 2 junior teams in the Kent league. Bexley is home to UK-Racketball Series legend and winner of 16 Titles Ted Jeal.
Ian Wright, Club Secretary, introduced the game of Squash to the club in 1965 and acted as foreman to build the second court for under £3,000 in 1967. The court fee for 40 minutes was 10p per player. Some ten years later, Ian experimented with some short handled rackets and the core of a tennis ball as an alternative game for dual use of Squash Courts.
Ian wrote a set of rules and a constitution for an association for this new game of Racketball.
On 13th February 1984, in Stourbridge LTC, the British Racketball Association was founded, having adopted Ian’s Rules and Constitution and elected Ian as its first Honorary Secretary.
The Sports Council, on 30th October 1984, officially recognised the British Racketball Association as the Governing Body for the sport. Membership stood at 55 clubs with 239 individual members.
By 1988 the Individual Membership of the British Racketball Association stood at 650 members and a Sports Council survey found there to be 30,000 players in the UK.
In 1998, control of the game passed to England Squash, with Ian Wright, as Vice President of the Governing Body, becoming Chairman of the Racketball Committee.
The game has flourished in the Bexley Club with 72 players in the internal Racketball League and the Club teams, arguably, the best in the South East of England.
Bexley Club Members have won Kent and England Championships
KENT CHAMPIONS:
Rob Lewis and Mark Steeden,
Nick Eagle (Over 35), Ray Jennings (Over 35), Paul Slater (Over 35),
John Prowse and Peter Lewis (Over 55), Ian Wright (Over 65), Nicky Slater (Over 35).
ENGLAND CHAMPIONS
Ian Wright (Over 50, Over 65 and Over 70), Peter Lewis (Over 55),
John Prowse (Over 60), Paul Slater (Over 35).
The club currently has internal squash and racketball leagues and runs 5 squash teams in the North Kent Priory League and a Racketball team in the South East Region Racketball League along with 2 junior teams in the Kent league. Bexley is home to UK-Racketball Series legend and winner of 16 Titles Ted Jeal.
Grades
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. Players must be female.
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.
DOUBLES – Players of all ages and abilities, find a partner and go for it. A reminder of the Racketball Doubles rules can be found here…
Club Facilities
Bexley Lawn Tennis Squash & Racketball Club has the reputation as one of the premier squash clubs in Kent and the South East Region.It has 5 squash courts with balcony viewing, 2 of these are glass backed championship courts with a seating area.
Club Location
Bexley Tennis, Squash and Racketball Club
Parkhurst Road
Bexley
DA5 1AX
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. Players must be female.
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.
DOUBLES – Players of all ages and abilities, find a partner and go for it. A reminder of the Racketball Doubles rules can be found here…
Club Facilities
Bexley Lawn Tennis Squash & Racketball Club has the reputation as one of the premier squash clubs in Kent and the South East Region.It has 5 squash courts with balcony viewing, 2 of these are glass backed championship courts with a seating area.
Club Location
Bexley Tennis, Squash and Racketball Club
Parkhurst Road
Bexley
DA5 1AX
