South West of England - Results
Winners Summary: Women’s: Caroline Wright, A Grade: Luke Bishop, B Grade: Ian Russell, Doubles: Paul Gregory and Mike Gregory, Over 40’s: Matt Baker, Over 50’s: Dan Fernandez, Over 60’s: Terry Horne
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South West Racketball Open - Report
On Saturday the UK-Racketball Series was back to Devon and Exeter for the 7th year running. As always players had travelled from far and wide to compete in one of the best Racketball clubs in the county and watch the action unfold on the clubs show court in the bar. Paul Dodd's trip from Newcastle was amazingly not the furthest that anyone travelled with Manuel Costa making his annual pilgrimage from Portugal to beat some UK-Racketball players and catch up with old friends.
The South West Racketball Open saw one of the strongest women’s event fields so far this year. Devon and Exeter’s Caroline Wright came through as eventual winner but was pushed hard by Shonagh Butler from Street and fellow D&E player Karen Bealey. Jo Perriam fought hard all day taking a game off Butler. It was a tough day for the women with all four also taking part in the doubles. Six matches for each of them with seven for Bealey who made the final of the doubles.
The South West Racketball Open saw one of the strongest women’s event fields so far this year. Devon and Exeter’s Caroline Wright came through as eventual winner but was pushed hard by Shonagh Butler from Street and fellow D&E player Karen Bealey. Jo Perriam fought hard all day taking a game off Butler. It was a tough day for the women with all four also taking part in the doubles. Six matches for each of them with seven for Bealey who made the final of the doubles.
The Over 60’s was the biggest grade of the day with four groups leading into a semi final knockout. In the group stages two seed Graham Holmes was beaten by John Herberko with Herbertko being in tern beaten by the ever-steady Ian Graham in the semi finals. The events top half was once saw Terry Horne come through victorious against all challenges. The final between Horne and Graham was always going to be a good one but despite Grahams determination it was Horne who saw the match through to the end and added another title to his growing collection.
Horne’s route to UK-Racketball Series victories is different to that of most champions. He rarely dominates a player, he isn’t flamboyant or particularly quick but he has exceptional determination and court craft. Over the course of the South West Racketball Open he dropped games at every stage and several times looked like he was being outplayed. At the moment however Horne just keeps going, plugging away, putting the balls into good areas and waiting for his opponent to make a mistake. Horne has now won fourteen matches in a row and claimed three event titles out of three, The London Open, West of England and now the South West. He has thoroughly earned all three and is very much the man to beat in the over 60’s.
A note to all players…. Don’t get Ian Graham started on an Over 70’s competition for next year. I think that’s the first thing that he has said to me every time I’ve seen him this year, and at the end of every email he’s sent me. It’s happening Ian, I’m on it! I shouldn’t complain though. The over 60’s was his idea 7 years ago… and lets face it that was not a bad suggestion…
Horne’s route to UK-Racketball Series victories is different to that of most champions. He rarely dominates a player, he isn’t flamboyant or particularly quick but he has exceptional determination and court craft. Over the course of the South West Racketball Open he dropped games at every stage and several times looked like he was being outplayed. At the moment however Horne just keeps going, plugging away, putting the balls into good areas and waiting for his opponent to make a mistake. Horne has now won fourteen matches in a row and claimed three event titles out of three, The London Open, West of England and now the South West. He has thoroughly earned all three and is very much the man to beat in the over 60’s.
A note to all players…. Don’t get Ian Graham started on an Over 70’s competition for next year. I think that’s the first thing that he has said to me every time I’ve seen him this year, and at the end of every email he’s sent me. It’s happening Ian, I’m on it! I shouldn’t complain though. The over 60’s was his idea 7 years ago… and lets face it that was not a bad suggestion…
The A Grade was a repeat of last year and the year before. It was the Luke Bishop show. Despite playing in two events (Bishop also reached the final of the doubles) and everyone throwing everything they had at him only Angus Bell ran him close. When Bishop is on he can be brilliant and this was one of those days! 2017, 2018 and 2019 The Devon and Exeter tournament has belonged to him, three titles in consecutive years at the same venue had not been done before.
It was another UK-Racketball Series first in the Over 50’s. Dan Fernandez is the most successful player of the Series who has never won a title but at The South West Racketball Open he finally managed to turn this around. Chris Davey came closest to denying Fernandez in a group match that went to 3-2. The semi final against Tim Gillingham and the final against Patrick Osborn both went Fernandez’s way 2-0. A well deserved first title, look at that big smile, time for a beer haha!
Players from seven different clubs competed in the B Grade. The largest contingent was as is always the case in Devon and Exeter from the club itself and the players did not disappoint with two of the locals making it to the final group. In the end it was Ian Russell who was the last one standing and claimed the title for his home club.
It was another UK-Racketball Series first in the Over 50’s. Dan Fernandez is the most successful player of the Series who has never won a title but at The South West Racketball Open he finally managed to turn this around. Chris Davey came closest to denying Fernandez in a group match that went to 3-2. The semi final against Tim Gillingham and the final against Patrick Osborn both went Fernandez’s way 2-0. A well deserved first title, look at that big smile, time for a beer haha!
Players from seven different clubs competed in the B Grade. The largest contingent was as is always the case in Devon and Exeter from the club itself and the players did not disappoint with two of the locals making it to the final group. In the end it was Ian Russell who was the last one standing and claimed the title for his home club.
Fresh from his triumph at the West of England Racketball Open Matt Baker and the Baker boast were back in action at Devon and Exeter. Baker saw off an early-determined challenge from Squash Club Mainz’s Bernd Bracht and had a close match with local Paul Gregory. The group decider was between West Hant’s James Allingham and Baker. Baker knows the Devon and Exeter courts better than anyone though and despite the match going to a decider he was always looking favorite adding The South West Racketball Open to his growing title list.
A full house in the doubles saw two groups of four compete for a place in the final. Paul and Mike Gregory came through group A victorious winning all three matches 2-0. Group B was not so straightforward however with three pairs finishing on 5 points. Steve Selly and Caroline Wright had dropped the most games meaning that they failed to progress through. The head to head between Karen Bealey/Luke Bishop and Patrick Osborn/Manuel Costa went the way of the local Bealey/Bishop giving them the spot in the final. The final was a local affair between four players who have all played on this court numerous times. On the day the brothers pairing of Mike and Paul Gregory had too much for Bishop and Bealey. Controlled play and cleaver holds at the right time saw them through 2-0 to take the first doubles title that we have run in Exeter.
The atmosphere at Devon and Exeter was great all day. So many good matches but played in the spirit of the UK-Racketball Series. I’m sure that we will be back for an 8th consecutive year next year for more battles in one of the most welcoming clubs in the country.
Next up the Series heads to Chichester for the South East of England Racketball Open. Despite this event being a month away there are only a few spaces left so make sure that you don’t leave it to the last minute to get this entry in.
http://www.uk-racketball.com/e9---south-east-of-england-racketball-open---2nd-november.html
A full house in the doubles saw two groups of four compete for a place in the final. Paul and Mike Gregory came through group A victorious winning all three matches 2-0. Group B was not so straightforward however with three pairs finishing on 5 points. Steve Selly and Caroline Wright had dropped the most games meaning that they failed to progress through. The head to head between Karen Bealey/Luke Bishop and Patrick Osborn/Manuel Costa went the way of the local Bealey/Bishop giving them the spot in the final. The final was a local affair between four players who have all played on this court numerous times. On the day the brothers pairing of Mike and Paul Gregory had too much for Bishop and Bealey. Controlled play and cleaver holds at the right time saw them through 2-0 to take the first doubles title that we have run in Exeter.
The atmosphere at Devon and Exeter was great all day. So many good matches but played in the spirit of the UK-Racketball Series. I’m sure that we will be back for an 8th consecutive year next year for more battles in one of the most welcoming clubs in the country.
Next up the Series heads to Chichester for the South East of England Racketball Open. Despite this event being a month away there are only a few spaces left so make sure that you don’t leave it to the last minute to get this entry in.
http://www.uk-racketball.com/e9---south-east-of-england-racketball-open---2nd-november.html
Devon and Exeter - Schedule
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Devon and Exeter - Draws
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Devon and Exeter - Entry list 24th Sep
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Devon and Exeter Racketball Introduction
The Devon and Exeter Squash and Racketball Club is a fantastic venue and a beacon for Racketball in the South West. The sport has a fantastic and passionate local
following, which helps to make this event extra special. 2019 will be the 7th year that the Series has made a trip to Devon and Exeter.
Last year the Devon and Exeter Open was one of the best attended of the Series and saw some fantastic matches. Local hero Matt Baker retained his title
in the Over 40’s. Natalie Lawrence made it title number 11 by taking the B Grade and Luke Bishop also from Devon and Exeter finished off an amazing day with an incredible display of skill and attacking racketball to take the A Grade final 2-0 against squash World No. 132 Rob Downer. It was only the Over 50’s and 60’s where the Series players dominated. A huge 17 player Over 50’s was eventually won by Jonathan Edwards of Nuffield Portsmouth. The Over 60’s was another big draw with Peter Eddy defeating both local legend David Mudge and 2018 Series Champion Stephen Widdison in the final decider group.
The club itself is a fantastic local squash centre with a great atmosphere. Devon was one of the first centres in the UK to really champion Racketball and has shown just what the sport can do for the revival of a squash club. This is one of the only clubs that have converted a gym back into a squash court due to overwhelming demand.
In 2018 Devon and Exeter organised and ran a Title Unification bout between Squash 57 National Champion Mike Harris and Racketball National Champion Tim Vail. On the night it was 3-1 to Racketball Champion Tim Vail 3-1 in just over 90 minutes of brutal Racketball.
following, which helps to make this event extra special. 2019 will be the 7th year that the Series has made a trip to Devon and Exeter.
Last year the Devon and Exeter Open was one of the best attended of the Series and saw some fantastic matches. Local hero Matt Baker retained his title
in the Over 40’s. Natalie Lawrence made it title number 11 by taking the B Grade and Luke Bishop also from Devon and Exeter finished off an amazing day with an incredible display of skill and attacking racketball to take the A Grade final 2-0 against squash World No. 132 Rob Downer. It was only the Over 50’s and 60’s where the Series players dominated. A huge 17 player Over 50’s was eventually won by Jonathan Edwards of Nuffield Portsmouth. The Over 60’s was another big draw with Peter Eddy defeating both local legend David Mudge and 2018 Series Champion Stephen Widdison in the final decider group.
The club itself is a fantastic local squash centre with a great atmosphere. Devon was one of the first centres in the UK to really champion Racketball and has shown just what the sport can do for the revival of a squash club. This is one of the only clubs that have converted a gym back into a squash court due to overwhelming demand.
In 2018 Devon and Exeter organised and ran a Title Unification bout between Squash 57 National Champion Mike Harris and Racketball National Champion Tim Vail. On the night it was 3-1 to Racketball Champion Tim Vail 3-1 in just over 90 minutes of brutal Racketball.
Main Tournament Information
What: Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
When: Saturday 28th September
Where: Devon and Exeter Squash and Racketball Club
Postcode: EX4 4PR
Cost: £13.50 (£7.80 for tournament t-shirt, high quality, quick dry, sublimated print)
Closing Date Entries: Friday 20th of September
For More Information: Email Mark Fuller [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 28th September
Where: Devon and Exeter Squash and Racketball Club
Postcode: EX4 4PR
Cost: £13.50 (£7.80 for tournament t-shirt, high quality, quick dry, sublimated print)
Closing Date Entries: Friday 20th of September
For More Information: Email Mark Fuller [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505
Grades
t 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.
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.
Facilities
Being a venue that caters exclusively to squash and racketball, there is a great club atmosphere; a perfect setting for this UK-Racketball Series Event.
The club itself boasts six courts including a championship glass back, with the bar area situated so you can see the court conveniently from your barstool.
Hot food will be served all day long; last year the food was great and was very reasonably priced.
On the day, there is a racket stringing service available and a physiotherapist on hand.
The club itself boasts six courts including a championship glass back, with the bar area situated so you can see the court conveniently from your barstool.
Hot food will be served all day long; last year the food was great and was very reasonably priced.
On the day, there is a racket stringing service available and a physiotherapist on hand.
Location
The club is easily accessible, being located only a couple of miles away from the M5 motorway.
Devon & Exeter Squash & Racketball club
Prince of Wales Road,
Exeter,
Devon,
EX4 4PR
01392 436100
Visit the club website for more information: www.devonandexetersquashandracketball.co.uk
Devon & Exeter Squash & Racketball club
Prince of Wales Road,
Exeter,
Devon,
EX4 4PR
01392 436100
Visit the club website for more information: www.devonandexetersquashandracketball.co.uk
What happened in 2018 - Devon and Exeter Racketball Open Report
This was the 6th time the series has returned to Devon & Exeter and it was a big event with all grades running. To see all the results head to http://www.uk-racketball.com/e8--devon--exeter---29th-sept.html. Laurence Ogden has added videos to his growing YouTube Racketball channel, follow this link to view, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOCDhogUhLhXdcGnD58Nlbw. For official photos check out the UK Racketball Facebook page.
B Grade
The B grades saw two big groups, both with 5 players each, meaning 4 matches needed to be won before the finals. In group A, top seed Tom Ash from Uxbridge started well coming through against Tim Baker, Martin Brook, and Sibohan Garland but came unstuck against local and England number 1, Natalie Lawrence, losing 2-0. In group B top seed Brian Sheppy was unlucky not to progress through to the final, winning all matches except against David Crookson, also from Devon & Exeter, where he was defeated 2-1. In the final, Natalie Lawrence started well against Crookson and never looked back. Accurate hitting and smooth movement gave her another title and a 2-0 victory.
Over 40s
Matt Baker retained his title from last year with only Aron Cullingham taking him close in a 2-1.
Over 60s
It was another big draw for the over 60s category. 3 groups of 4 meaning there would be 3 matches before the finals group, and another 2 matches to decide it. It was always going to be a long day and was one of the latest finishes.
In group A, Stephen Widdison, who is currently leading the series rankings, overcame a tough group which included Andy Mitchell and Philip Clarke. A 2-0 victory against Mitchell early on set the pace but Widdison later had to save multiple match balls against Philip Clarke in one of the best games of the day. Clarke played superbly for the first two but was just unable to hang on. Widdison's grit saw him through to the next round.
In group B it was local David Mudge who was able to come through, however was unfortunate to be defeated by Butler, only for Butler to be injured in a later match and was forced to withdraw. Group C, Grahame Holmes, England number 6, won his opening two matches against Chris Hawkin and Rob Cann but was unable to defeat Peter Eddy, with Eddy going through.
In the finals group, Mudge was a little tired and was defeated soundly by Peter Eddy and then Stephen Widdison. The final between Widdison and Eddy was tight, Eddy coming through 2-1 to take the title. Widdison's series championship hopes stay alive. Second place gives him enough points to retain his place at the top.
A Grade
Top seed, Luke Bishop, looked very good in the groups. Richard Davies was solid against Philip Borrett and Adam Sindall-White. Bishop started well against Davies winning the first very comfortably and didn't look back from there. Davies' solid style and movement didn't have enough zip to get into Bishop early. In group B it came down to a battle between professional squash player Robert Downer and Wakefield runner-up, Craig Chappell. On the day Downer managed to just come through 2-1. In a much anticipated final, Bishop on home court, took the first game convincingly, 11-1. Downer rallied in the second with some fantastic retrieval and finding some winners of his own. But in the end, Bishop was just too clinical. This is one of the best displays of racketball that has taken to the courts against a professional squash player, with Bishop coming through 2-0 to retain the Devon title. He is going to be a handful for anyone when it comes to the nationals next year.
Matt Baker retained his title from last year with only Aron Cullingham taking him close in a 2-1.
Over 60s
It was another big draw for the over 60s category. 3 groups of 4 meaning there would be 3 matches before the finals group, and another 2 matches to decide it. It was always going to be a long day and was one of the latest finishes.
In group A, Stephen Widdison, who is currently leading the series rankings, overcame a tough group which included Andy Mitchell and Philip Clarke. A 2-0 victory against Mitchell early on set the pace but Widdison later had to save multiple match balls against Philip Clarke in one of the best games of the day. Clarke played superbly for the first two but was just unable to hang on. Widdison's grit saw him through to the next round.
In group B it was local David Mudge who was able to come through, however was unfortunate to be defeated by Butler, only for Butler to be injured in a later match and was forced to withdraw. Group C, Grahame Holmes, England number 6, won his opening two matches against Chris Hawkin and Rob Cann but was unable to defeat Peter Eddy, with Eddy going through.
In the finals group, Mudge was a little tired and was defeated soundly by Peter Eddy and then Stephen Widdison. The final between Widdison and Eddy was tight, Eddy coming through 2-1 to take the title. Widdison's series championship hopes stay alive. Second place gives him enough points to retain his place at the top.
A Grade
Top seed, Luke Bishop, looked very good in the groups. Richard Davies was solid against Philip Borrett and Adam Sindall-White. Bishop started well against Davies winning the first very comfortably and didn't look back from there. Davies' solid style and movement didn't have enough zip to get into Bishop early. In group B it came down to a battle between professional squash player Robert Downer and Wakefield runner-up, Craig Chappell. On the day Downer managed to just come through 2-1. In a much anticipated final, Bishop on home court, took the first game convincingly, 11-1. Downer rallied in the second with some fantastic retrieval and finding some winners of his own. But in the end, Bishop was just too clinical. This is one of the best displays of racketball that has taken to the courts against a professional squash player, with Bishop coming through 2-0 to retain the Devon title. He is going to be a handful for anyone when it comes to the nationals next year.
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Women's
Shonagh Butler defeated Sibohan Garland in a really tight 2-1 to decide group second place, but it was always going to be Natalie Lawrence who came through to add another title to her collection and solidify her position at the top of the women's rankings.
Over 50's
Once again the over 50's was the biggest draw of the day. 4 groups all with 4 players in except for group D with 5, meaning you had to win 3 matches to reach the semis, and past the semis there was still a final. Top seed Michael Wardle, in the opening match of the day, against Nigel Bell, was defeated. This was a cracking match with a 2-0 scoreline but both games could have gone either way, with a big tie-break in the 3rd to decide it. Group B saw a two-way tie between Spencer Cooper and Jason Stanton, with Adrian Henley also defeating Stanton. However Cooper came through with 5 points and as Stanton was the winner of that tie, he progressed through to the semifinals.
In Group C, Jonathan Edwards overcame Paul Dodds. Dodds was runner-up in Wakefield in the middle of the month but didn't have enough to progress through the group stage at Devon. In Group D, top seed Dan Fernandez came through with 8 points, but due to the nature of the group, he had to play one additional game- a tough draw for Dan, which might have proved crucial when he came up against Jonathan Edwards in the semi's, Edwards coming through 2-1. In the top semi-final it was Nigel Bell who defeated Jason Stanton to set up a final against Jonathan Edwards. Edwards had been very impressive all day and managed to come through 2-0 and take the title.
Shonagh Butler defeated Sibohan Garland in a really tight 2-1 to decide group second place, but it was always going to be Natalie Lawrence who came through to add another title to her collection and solidify her position at the top of the women's rankings.
Over 50's
Once again the over 50's was the biggest draw of the day. 4 groups all with 4 players in except for group D with 5, meaning you had to win 3 matches to reach the semis, and past the semis there was still a final. Top seed Michael Wardle, in the opening match of the day, against Nigel Bell, was defeated. This was a cracking match with a 2-0 scoreline but both games could have gone either way, with a big tie-break in the 3rd to decide it. Group B saw a two-way tie between Spencer Cooper and Jason Stanton, with Adrian Henley also defeating Stanton. However Cooper came through with 5 points and as Stanton was the winner of that tie, he progressed through to the semifinals.
In Group C, Jonathan Edwards overcame Paul Dodds. Dodds was runner-up in Wakefield in the middle of the month but didn't have enough to progress through the group stage at Devon. In Group D, top seed Dan Fernandez came through with 8 points, but due to the nature of the group, he had to play one additional game- a tough draw for Dan, which might have proved crucial when he came up against Jonathan Edwards in the semi's, Edwards coming through 2-1. In the top semi-final it was Nigel Bell who defeated Jason Stanton to set up a final against Jonathan Edwards. Edwards had been very impressive all day and managed to come through 2-0 and take the title.
Devon and Exeter Results 2018
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History
2018 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2017 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2016 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2015 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2014 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2013 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2012 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2017 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2016 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2015 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2014 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2013 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
2012 Results Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
Click here to see the photo's on our Facebook page - remember that you do not need to be a member of Facebook to view and download the photos
Click here for the video's - courtesy of Lawrence Ogden.
Click here for the video's - courtesy of Lawrence Ogden.
