Devon and Exeter Racketball Open Match 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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Devon and Exeter Draws and Schedule 27th September
The following players are in more than one grade, David Hurst, David Browne, Kim Brook, Martin Brook, Caroline Wright, Siobhan Garland.
I think that I have avoided all clashes but if I have not then please let me know. Obviously during the day there might be times when you have to play two matches close together, if this is the case then hopefully the best of three format will help.
Normal Tournament Rules at Devon
Register at least 15 minutes before your scheduled match time.
Winners referee the next match on the court they have just finished on.
You must be ready to referee by the time that the next players have finished knocking up, if not then the UK-Racketball forfeit comes into effect and you will have to referee the next 3 matches on that court.
When refereeing please write the name of both opponents and the grade on the score sheet.
All matches are best of 3 games unless best of 5 is indicted.. Tiebreak at 10-10 with the game going to the first player to be 2 points clear.
Spirit of the UK-Racketball Series – All our events are competitive but they are also fun. Lets should be lenient, strokes only rarely given.
I think that I have avoided all clashes but if I have not then please let me know. Obviously during the day there might be times when you have to play two matches close together, if this is the case then hopefully the best of three format will help.
Normal Tournament Rules at Devon
Register at least 15 minutes before your scheduled match time.
Winners referee the next match on the court they have just finished on.
You must be ready to referee by the time that the next players have finished knocking up, if not then the UK-Racketball forfeit comes into effect and you will have to referee the next 3 matches on that court.
When refereeing please write the name of both opponents and the grade on the score sheet.
All matches are best of 3 games unless best of 5 is indicted.. Tiebreak at 10-10 with the game going to the first player to be 2 points clear.
Spirit of the UK-Racketball Series – All our events are competitive but they are also fun. Lets should be lenient, strokes only rarely given.
| devon_open_draws_27th_sep_online_schedule.pdf |
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Devon and Exeter Draws
| devon_open_draws_online_26th_september_a_grade.pdf |
| devon_open_draws_online_26th_september_b_grade.pdf |
| devon_open_draw_over_40s.pdf |
| devon_open_draws_online_26th_september_over_50s.pdf |
| devon_open_draws_online_26th_september_over_60s.pdf |
| devon_open_draws_online_26th_september_womens.pdf |
Devon and Exeter Entry List
Click on the list below to see the entry list for this Saturday's event at Devon and Exeter. I will be doing the draws tomorrow so if you spot any problems please let me know as soon as you can.
| devon_entry_list_23rd_september.pdf |
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. This will be the 7th year that the Series has made a trip to Devon and Exeter. Last year saw the return of Matt Baker. Finalist in the A Grade in 2013 he overcame all challengers including Steve Selly in the final to take the Over 40's in 2017. As the Hall of Fame shows below the titles have been well spread but at Devon there is definitely more of a concentration of local winners than elsewhere in the UK.
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.
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.
Online Entry
Click here for online entry.
Main Tournament Information
What: Devon and Exeter Racketball Open
When: Saturday 30th September
Where: Devon and Exeter Squash and Racketball Club
Postcode: EX4 4PR
Cost: £12.50 (£5 for tournament t-shirt)
or
£70.50 for whole series entry (including 2 t-shirts)
Enter Online: Click here to enter online
For More Information: Email Mark Fuller [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 30th September
Where: Devon and Exeter Squash and Racketball Club
Postcode: EX4 4PR
Cost: £12.50 (£5 for tournament t-shirt)
or
£70.50 for whole series entry (including 2 t-shirts)
Enter Online: Click here to enter online
For More Information: Email Mark Fuller [email protected] or call Mark 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
Beginner – This is for players who have recently started racketball. Players who have previously played squash to a high level and have now started playing racketball may be better off in the A or B grade.
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, this has never happened in the last four years.
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
Beginner – This is for players who have recently started racketball. Players who have previously played squash to a high level and have now started playing racketball may be better off in the A or B grade.
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, this has never happened in the last four years.
Facilities
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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. |
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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
Click here for online entry.
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
Click here for online entry.
History
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
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.
