West of England racketball open
In contrast to an incredibly hot 2021 post covid event it was a rainy day at Leamington Lawn Tennis and Squash Club for the 2022 West of England Racketball Championships but a great turnout with all grades running made for a brilliant atmosphere and a great day of Racketball action!
Follow this link to see all the results
Follow this link for the photos
West of England Open B Grade
It was a good standard B Grade at Leamington. With three players in Group A it was set up for best of 5’s and all matches were tough ones. Rebecca Symmons came through as champion defeating Series veterans Tom Ash and Graeme Manson. Donovan Eastes won Group B without dropping a game but was pushed hard by Chris Burton. The final was a great match up but in the end despite some fantastic retrieving Symmons could not hang in long enough to contend with the accurate play of Eastes who took the title 11/6, 10/12, 11/4.
Follow this link to see all the results
Follow this link for the photos
West of England Open B Grade
It was a good standard B Grade at Leamington. With three players in Group A it was set up for best of 5’s and all matches were tough ones. Rebecca Symmons came through as champion defeating Series veterans Tom Ash and Graeme Manson. Donovan Eastes won Group B without dropping a game but was pushed hard by Chris Burton. The final was a great match up but in the end despite some fantastic retrieving Symmons could not hang in long enough to contend with the accurate play of Eastes who took the title 11/6, 10/12, 11/4.
West of England Open Over 50’s
The Over 50’s draw was reduced with a couple of withdrawals but still made for a tough day with two groups of 5 meaning 4 match wins were needed to make it though to the finals! On the day Roger Camp proved too strong for Marc Thornley coming through in two close games. Chris Morris loved the heat on the show courts and ran off all comers in group A with only Chris Wase managing to force a decider. The final was a great contest with the opening game going Morris’s way 12/10 before Camp fought back to take the second 11/9. By the third however Camp had nothing left and after a strong Morris start he ran away for the bagel. A tough day for Camp but thoroughly deserved from Morris.
West of England Over 70’s
The Over 70’s has been the slowest draw to come back to full strength post pandemic but Leamington saw a great entry both in terms of numbers and quality. Ian Graham remained dominant in Group A but was pushed hard by the quality and tenacity of Terry Norman and acuate hitting from Alec Livingstone. Three top over 70’s players lined up in group B, Graham Greensall, David Mudge and Hans Billson. Mudge came through a brutal encounter with Billson only to be denied by Greensall to set up a repeat final of Graham vs Greensall. This turned out into a great match with Graham only just sneaking the first on tie break and the second 11/9 before Greensall fought back to claim the 3rd. The 4th was tight in the beginning but then Graham pulled away to take the victory 11/7.
The Over 50’s draw was reduced with a couple of withdrawals but still made for a tough day with two groups of 5 meaning 4 match wins were needed to make it though to the finals! On the day Roger Camp proved too strong for Marc Thornley coming through in two close games. Chris Morris loved the heat on the show courts and ran off all comers in group A with only Chris Wase managing to force a decider. The final was a great contest with the opening game going Morris’s way 12/10 before Camp fought back to take the second 11/9. By the third however Camp had nothing left and after a strong Morris start he ran away for the bagel. A tough day for Camp but thoroughly deserved from Morris.
West of England Over 70’s
The Over 70’s has been the slowest draw to come back to full strength post pandemic but Leamington saw a great entry both in terms of numbers and quality. Ian Graham remained dominant in Group A but was pushed hard by the quality and tenacity of Terry Norman and acuate hitting from Alec Livingstone. Three top over 70’s players lined up in group B, Graham Greensall, David Mudge and Hans Billson. Mudge came through a brutal encounter with Billson only to be denied by Greensall to set up a repeat final of Graham vs Greensall. This turned out into a great match with Graham only just sneaking the first on tie break and the second 11/9 before Greensall fought back to claim the 3rd. The 4th was tight in the beginning but then Graham pulled away to take the victory 11/7.
Graham Greensall's heart rate during the Over 70's final!
West of England Women’s Open
Current National Champion Amber Marshall had her work cut out in the womens draw against a determined local Rebeccca Symmons. In a game which contained some fantastic retrieving from both player the momentum see-sawed throughout. In the end Marshal was too accurate and ended up taking the deciding game 11/5 but Symmons is definitely one to watch, not many women manage to get this close to denying Marshall a title.
West of England Open Over 40’s
Ryan Loska continued his dominance of the Over 40’s Series, claiming the West of England Title without dropping a game. Moving well and calm and composed he will take some beating in the up and coming Nationals!
Current National Champion Amber Marshall had her work cut out in the womens draw against a determined local Rebeccca Symmons. In a game which contained some fantastic retrieving from both player the momentum see-sawed throughout. In the end Marshal was too accurate and ended up taking the deciding game 11/5 but Symmons is definitely one to watch, not many women manage to get this close to denying Marshall a title.
West of England Open Over 40’s
Ryan Loska continued his dominance of the Over 40’s Series, claiming the West of England Title without dropping a game. Moving well and calm and composed he will take some beating in the up and coming Nationals!
West of England Open Doubles
A brutal start to the day in the doubles saw Zoe Fennell and Patrick Osborn lose out to Paul Norton and Ryan Loska in a brilliant display of shots retrieving and doubles tactics. The Loska, Norton partnership went on to win all their remaining Group B matches before coming up against Amber Marshall and Luke Bishop in the final. In what proved to be an incredibly entertaining game of corkscrews, skid boasts and creative shots from both teams Marshall and Bishop have a great understanding on the doubles court and this proved decisive and resulted in them adding another title to their collection with a 11/6, 11/7 victory.
West of England Open Over 60’s
The top seeds in both groups progressed to the final of the Over 60’s with Graham Holmes taking group A and Patrick Osborn Group B. Holmes’s toughest match came against an inform Mike Fleming with both games going the distance. Osborn came through unscathed in Group B and continued this run of form into the final taking the match 11/5, 11/1. He is very much the man to beat in the Over 60’s!
West of England Open A Grade
In a repeat of last year Luke Bishop and Jason Pike made it through their respective groups in the A Grade. Pike battled hard on his home courts as he always does but the Bishop boast proved too much. There was talk that this might now be better than his mentor (Matt Baker), the Baker boast... the debate will continue but in the meantime another title is Bishops, that list keeps growing.
Our next event is the big one, The 2022 HEAD National Racketball/Squash57 Championships. Entries close at midnight on the 3rd of July so if you are not already in this is your last chance to enter - https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-7-Head-National-Racketball-Championships-16th17th-July-Edgbaston
A brutal start to the day in the doubles saw Zoe Fennell and Patrick Osborn lose out to Paul Norton and Ryan Loska in a brilliant display of shots retrieving and doubles tactics. The Loska, Norton partnership went on to win all their remaining Group B matches before coming up against Amber Marshall and Luke Bishop in the final. In what proved to be an incredibly entertaining game of corkscrews, skid boasts and creative shots from both teams Marshall and Bishop have a great understanding on the doubles court and this proved decisive and resulted in them adding another title to their collection with a 11/6, 11/7 victory.
West of England Open Over 60’s
The top seeds in both groups progressed to the final of the Over 60’s with Graham Holmes taking group A and Patrick Osborn Group B. Holmes’s toughest match came against an inform Mike Fleming with both games going the distance. Osborn came through unscathed in Group B and continued this run of form into the final taking the match 11/5, 11/1. He is very much the man to beat in the Over 60’s!
West of England Open A Grade
In a repeat of last year Luke Bishop and Jason Pike made it through their respective groups in the A Grade. Pike battled hard on his home courts as he always does but the Bishop boast proved too much. There was talk that this might now be better than his mentor (Matt Baker), the Baker boast... the debate will continue but in the meantime another title is Bishops, that list keeps growing.
Our next event is the big one, The 2022 HEAD National Racketball/Squash57 Championships. Entries close at midnight on the 3rd of July so if you are not already in this is your last chance to enter - https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-7-Head-National-Racketball-Championships-16th17th-July-Edgbaston
West of England Racketball Open introduction
The West of England Open at Leamington Spa was the first event back after the pandemic on the UK-Racketball Series calendar. 2022 will be the 5th time that the Series has returned to Leamington and as you would expect from sitting in the middle of a part of the country with such a great reputation for racketball this event is always a sellout!
Last years event saw a fantastic exhibition of Racketball with the A Grade featured 5 of the country's Top 15 players. Head Coach Jason Pike saw off a challenge from Luke Bishop to take the final in a dramatic tie-break finish, while the biggest draw of the day saw number one seed Mervyn Davies beat Paul Dodds to the Over 50's title.
We're excited to be back at the oldest Lawn Tennis club in the world, which always makes for a brilliant event. The club development has transformed the squash section at the club, with a new glass back court built alongside the first opening up the viewing for the show courts and helping to give the club a fantastic tournament atmosphere.
The club itself has an amazing history. Leamington Lawn Tennis Club was founded in 1872, three years before Wimbledon! Follow this link for a fascinating read - http://www.leamington-tennis-squash.co.uk/club-information/club-history/
Jason Pike the head coach has made a fantastic impact at the club with junior sessions and club nights. Leamington’s Junior Squash is going from strength to strength and is now one of the strongest in the country with over 100 taking part every week.
This will be a great tournament so don’t miss out!
Last years event saw a fantastic exhibition of Racketball with the A Grade featured 5 of the country's Top 15 players. Head Coach Jason Pike saw off a challenge from Luke Bishop to take the final in a dramatic tie-break finish, while the biggest draw of the day saw number one seed Mervyn Davies beat Paul Dodds to the Over 50's title.
We're excited to be back at the oldest Lawn Tennis club in the world, which always makes for a brilliant event. The club development has transformed the squash section at the club, with a new glass back court built alongside the first opening up the viewing for the show courts and helping to give the club a fantastic tournament atmosphere.
The club itself has an amazing history. Leamington Lawn Tennis Club was founded in 1872, three years before Wimbledon! Follow this link for a fascinating read - http://www.leamington-tennis-squash.co.uk/club-information/club-history/
Jason Pike the head coach has made a fantastic impact at the club with junior sessions and club nights. Leamington’s Junior Squash is going from strength to strength and is now one of the strongest in the country with over 100 taking part every week.
This will be a great tournament so don’t miss out!
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-7-West-of-England-Racketball-Open-2nd-July-Leamington
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-7-West-of-England-Racketball-Open-2nd-July-Leamington
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: Leamington Racketball Open
When: Saturday 2nd July
Where: Leamington Lawn Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: CV32 6LZ
Cost: £17.50 (£8.50 for an optional high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date for entries: Friday 24th June
More Information: Contact [email protected] or if the enquiry is urgent call Mark on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 2nd July
Where: Leamington Lawn Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: CV32 6LZ
Cost: £17.50 (£8.50 for an optional high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date for entries: Friday 24th June
More Information: Contact [email protected] or if the enquiry is urgent call Mark on 07846 067505
west of england leamington - hall of fame
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 [email protected] or if the enquiry is urgent call Mark on 07846067505 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.
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 [email protected] or if the enquiry is urgent call Mark on 07846067505 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
Leaminton Lawn Tennis and Squash Club is the oldest Lawn Tennis Club in the country with fantastic Tennis facilities.
The squash and racketball section has recently been redone with new changing facilities and bar area.
The club has 6 squash courts including a two championship court’s with plenty of seating.
If the weather is hot sitting outside to watch the tennis will be a lovely way to spend your spare event time, bringing a good book is advised!
The squash and racketball section has recently been redone with new changing facilities and bar area.
The club has 6 squash courts including a two championship court’s with plenty of seating.
If the weather is hot sitting outside to watch the tennis will be a lovely way to spend your spare event time, bringing a good book is advised!
club location
Leamington Spa is located to the South East of Birmingham and close to the M40; a new area of the county for the UK-Racketball Series.
Leamington Lawn Tennis & Squash Club
Guy's Cliffe Avenue
Leamington Spa
CV32 6LZ
Club Tel: 01926 425845
Club website: http://www.leamington-tennis-squash.co.uk/
Leamington Lawn Tennis & Squash Club
Guy's Cliffe Avenue
Leamington Spa
CV32 6LZ
Club Tel: 01926 425845
Club website: http://www.leamington-tennis-squash.co.uk/
What happened in 2019 . . . the west of england open report and results
The West of England Racketball Open was one of the strongest events that the tour has ever seen. Since the National Championships in July all of the Series events had been fully subscribed but Leamington saw the strongest field so far.
The A Grade line up saw five players currently ranked inside the top 15 in the UK. Craig Chapell was the victor in his last event the North West Racketball Open in May. Luke Bishop won his last Series event in Devon last season defeating professional squash player Rob Downer in the final 2-0. Paul “Knocker” Norton up to three in the UK has already been runner up twice this year at both the North West and North East of England Open’s. This event was wide open.
Chapell opened his account well with victories over teammate Ed Snape and Australian Peter French. Peter French plays the Australian Racketball tour and was impressed by the standard across all the grades at Leamington. The Group A deciding clash between Chapell and Leamington Head Coach Jason Pike could have gone either way. Chapell had multiple match balls but in the end Pike held on to take the match 2-1 and claim his place in the final.
The A Grade line up saw five players currently ranked inside the top 15 in the UK. Craig Chapell was the victor in his last event the North West Racketball Open in May. Luke Bishop won his last Series event in Devon last season defeating professional squash player Rob Downer in the final 2-0. Paul “Knocker” Norton up to three in the UK has already been runner up twice this year at both the North West and North East of England Open’s. This event was wide open.
Chapell opened his account well with victories over teammate Ed Snape and Australian Peter French. Peter French plays the Australian Racketball tour and was impressed by the standard across all the grades at Leamington. The Group A deciding clash between Chapell and Leamington Head Coach Jason Pike could have gone either way. Chapell had multiple match balls but in the end Pike held on to take the match 2-1 and claim his place in the final.
Group B was also unbelievably competitive with top seed and Series favorite Knocker Norton finishing 3rd. Despite victory over Leamington local Robert Fortune, Knocker was unable to break down the ever-steady Richard Davies eventually losing out 2-1. The group decider was always going to be an interesting match and a fascinating clash of styles between the accurate, controlled and thoughtful Racketball of Davies and the flamboyant shot display of Luke Bishop. The crowd was treated to a very high level match but in the end Bishop repeated his victory over Davies in Exeter last season 2-0.
The final was always going to be hard fought. Not many players are capable of beating Luke Bishop at Racketball but on home turf Pike was always going to give it everything. The match seesawed one way and then the other and resulted in a dramatic climax (head to our Facebook page to see the video of the final tiebreak). Despite saving numerous match balls Pike’s fitness and determination saw him claim his first ever UK-Racketball Series Title.
Tom Ash was unlucky to once again come away as the runner up in the B Grade in a repeat of his result in London last month. Michael English came through as champion dropping only one game in the B Grade all day during his first match against Graeme Manson from Hallamshire.
The final was always going to be hard fought. Not many players are capable of beating Luke Bishop at Racketball but on home turf Pike was always going to give it everything. The match seesawed one way and then the other and resulted in a dramatic climax (head to our Facebook page to see the video of the final tiebreak). Despite saving numerous match balls Pike’s fitness and determination saw him claim his first ever UK-Racketball Series Title.
Tom Ash was unlucky to once again come away as the runner up in the B Grade in a repeat of his result in London last month. Michael English came through as champion dropping only one game in the B Grade all day during his first match against Graeme Manson from Hallamshire.
The Over 50’s was once again the biggest draw of the day. The top two seeds had the best of the day with Mervyn Davies coming through the group without dropping a game and then defeating David Evans in the first of the semi finals. The two seed Paul Dodds had a harder route to the final but survived an early scare against Lee Sadler and a tough semi final against Grant Bird coming through that match 2-1. Paul Dodds is yet to win a UK-Racketball Series event despite being runner-up on numerous occasions. Unfortunately for him this pattern continued at the West of England and in one of the last matches of the day he was defeated 2-0 by a very in form Mervyn Davies.
It was a tough day for England No.1 and winner of The North West Racketball Open Yac Latif who despite group stage victories over Stephen Burnett and Graham Holmes was unable to defeat Lilleshall’s Gary Westwood. The top seed in group 2 Gordon Lamb also had a tough day at the office. It was Paul Halstead being as gritty and determined as he always is who came through as Group champion. Terry Horne ended the poor run of luck for the top seeds in the Over 60’s winning Group C but he was pushed hard by Graham Greensall who finished second.
Three in form players competed in the finals group but on the day it was Terry Horne who backed up his title at the London Racketball Open with another win taking the West of England. 10 match unbeaten run for Horne.
It was a tough day for England No.1 and winner of The North West Racketball Open Yac Latif who despite group stage victories over Stephen Burnett and Graham Holmes was unable to defeat Lilleshall’s Gary Westwood. The top seed in group 2 Gordon Lamb also had a tough day at the office. It was Paul Halstead being as gritty and determined as he always is who came through as Group champion. Terry Horne ended the poor run of luck for the top seeds in the Over 60’s winning Group C but he was pushed hard by Graham Greensall who finished second.
Three in form players competed in the finals group but on the day it was Terry Horne who backed up his title at the London Racketball Open with another win taking the West of England. 10 match unbeaten run for Horne.
On paper the Over 40’s was the strongest field that we’ve had at a UK-Racketball Series event and the day itself did not disappoint. Group A saw some fantastic matches most notably the matches between Simon Kilshaw (Rhiwbina) against Steve Smith (Hinkley) and Kilshaw against Andrew Hopwood (Nottingham). Ryan Loska came through as group champion but he was up against stiff competition in the final against Matt Baker.
Matt Baker used to dominate age group Racketball in the UK and despite having only played a couple of events in the past few years he had lost none of his quality. Loska claimed the first game 11/7 moving the ball around well and soaking up the Baker attacks. In the middle of the second however the tide began to turn as Baker found his range firing in the boast, kills and deep cross-courts. Loska soaked up as much pressure as he could but even someone of Loska’s quality can only do this for so long, 11-6 Baker. Baker started the decider how he finished the 2nd and despite Loska fighting hard right to the bitter end it was Baker who came away triumphant. This was a fascinating match up of styles and hopefully the first of many finals between these two.
One spectator who has been playing the UK-Racketball events since we started 10 years ago commented that it was “the most entertaining match he had ever seen”.
The standard of the West of England Racketball Open can be summed up by the large number of people that stayed around to watch the finals of the A and 40’s. This event really was a fantastic advert for the sport!
Matt Baker used to dominate age group Racketball in the UK and despite having only played a couple of events in the past few years he had lost none of his quality. Loska claimed the first game 11/7 moving the ball around well and soaking up the Baker attacks. In the middle of the second however the tide began to turn as Baker found his range firing in the boast, kills and deep cross-courts. Loska soaked up as much pressure as he could but even someone of Loska’s quality can only do this for so long, 11-6 Baker. Baker started the decider how he finished the 2nd and despite Loska fighting hard right to the bitter end it was Baker who came away triumphant. This was a fascinating match up of styles and hopefully the first of many finals between these two.
One spectator who has been playing the UK-Racketball events since we started 10 years ago commented that it was “the most entertaining match he had ever seen”.
The standard of the West of England Racketball Open can be summed up by the large number of people that stayed around to watch the finals of the A and 40’s. This event really was a fantastic advert for the sport!
Follow this link for the event photos - http://www.uk-racketball.com/e7---west-of-england-racketball-open---7th-september.html
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