West of England Racketball Open
Follow this link for the event photos - http://www.uk-racketball.com/e7---west-of-england-racketball-open---7th-september.html
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 have 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!
Next up in the Series we head to Exeter for the South West of England Racketball Open, follow the link for more information and to book your place! http://www.uk-racketball.com/e8---south-west-of-england-racketball-open---28th-september.html
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!
Next up in the Series we head to Exeter for the South West of England Racketball Open, follow the link for more information and to book your place! http://www.uk-racketball.com/e8---south-west-of-england-racketball-open---28th-september.html
West of England Racketball Open Results
Full results below. Photos, videos and report coming soon...
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West of England Racketball Open - Schedule
I have followed my schedule plan that has run for the past couple of tournaments where the big entry grades start the day taking multiple courts to play out their group matches. The A Grade and B Grade kick in later in the day.
I hope that this helps to minimise waiting times between matches. However this is a two sided coin and will mean that some players have matches that are close together or back to back. As this is best of three I think that it’s better to have matches closer together than with huge gaps.
Over 50’s and 60’s (the two biggest categories on the day) please be aware that if you’re lucky enough to make it through the groups and into the finals you might have a bit of a break before these matches. Make sure that you’ve read the schedule. Leamington Town centre is really close and lovely so worth a visit to chill out if you have the time.
If anyone spots any issues with the schedule please email me [email protected] and I will sort them as quickly as possible.
I hope that this helps to minimise waiting times between matches. However this is a two sided coin and will mean that some players have matches that are close together or back to back. As this is best of three I think that it’s better to have matches closer together than with huge gaps.
Over 50’s and 60’s (the two biggest categories on the day) please be aware that if you’re lucky enough to make it through the groups and into the finals you might have a bit of a break before these matches. Make sure that you’ve read the schedule. Leamington Town centre is really close and lovely so worth a visit to chill out if you have the time.
If anyone spots any issues with the schedule please email me [email protected] and I will sort them as quickly as possible.
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West of England Racketball Open - Draws
Open the files below to see the draws for the next event in the 2019 UK-Racketball Series. The schedule will be released tomorrow.
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Entry List - 29th August
Event 7 - Entries FULL
| e7_west_of_england_entry_list_29th_august.pdf |
West of England Racketball Open - Leamington Tennis and Squash Club
The last time that the UK-Racketball Series ran an event in Leamington was before the club redevelopment in 2014. As you would expect in Racketball strong Warwickshire the event was a great success with club Head Coach Jason Pike being beaten in the A Grade final by Dan Soar. Many of the other winners back in 2014 are still regulars on the tour, Ryan Loska took the B Grade, James Powley the Over 40's and Natalie Lawrence the Women's.
The club development has transformed the squash section at the club. A new glass back court built alongside the first has opened up the viewing for the show courts and helped to give the club a fantastic tournament atmosphere.
With the event taking place two month after the Racketball/ Squash57 Nationals in nearby Birmingham expect a strong local Edgbaston as well as Warwickshire entry!
The club itself has an amazing history. Leamington Lawn Tennis Club is the oldest lawn tennis club in the world 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 new junior sessions, club nights and even a PSA closed satellite event. 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!
Main Tournament Details
What: Leamington Racketball Open
When: Saturday 7th September
Where: Leamington Lawn Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: CV32 6LZ
Cost: £13.50 (£8.50 for an optional high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date for entries: Friday 30th August
More Information: Contact Mark Fuller [email protected] or call on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 7th September
Where: Leamington Lawn Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: CV32 6LZ
Cost: £13.50 (£8.50 for an optional high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Closing Date for entries: Friday 30th August
More Information: Contact Mark Fuller [email protected] or call 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
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 [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.
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
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 [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.
Venue 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!
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/
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!
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/
