WHAT A WEEKEND OF RACKETBALL THAT WAS!
The dust has settled on what was one of the best, if not THE best UK Racketball tournaments to date. The British Racketball National Championships 2024 at Edgbaston Priory (and Sutton Coldfield) in Birmingham.
Over 200 players from age 13 through to 89 took part, Men's and Ladies players alike, competing in 19 different draws (plus a Sunday Morning Fun Doubles comp) across three days of superb Racketball action. By the time the last finals finished by 5pm on the Sunday afternoon, there were new Champions crowned, titles regained, and an overwhelming sense that Racketball is really developing and pushing forward positively as a sport at all levels of the game.
It was particularly exciting to see a new bunch of Junior players and Ladies players involved at a variety of ages and abilities, a really encouraging sign for the development of the sport and we will do our best to keep these areas moving forward with renewed vigour going forward.
Now to the matches themselves! I could write a dissertation on the quality of the games, the sportsmanship, the community feel and enjoyment across the draws, but I feel like I'd lose a few readers... So il do my best to keep it to the point and readable!
- Men's O70s, O75s and O80s:
Returning after a year's absence due to illness, Andrew Rugg Gunn was dominant in the box of 4 draw for the O80s. The 85 year old not dropping a game in taking his second National title in the category, showing incredibly impressive movement and control throughout. One hopes to be remotely as mobile as him close to that age. Larry Grover was similarly decisive in the O75s draw, battling through his three matches without dropping a game, though was pushed hard throughout. Top seed Howard Thompson just falling short in the final. A series of upsets in the O70s draw saw the unseeded Rob Lathbury put in a tremendous shift to knock out three higher seeded players on the way to the title, a really high quality match against EPC member and Racketball coach Rob Shay in the final, scraping through 3/2. Shay earlier also overturning previous Champion Graham Greensall in the semi finals.
- Ladies O60s and O65s:
Super Sturgess Slays All! Yes the return of Lesley Sturgess to the Nationals for another year saw her pick up both the O60s & O65s titles in a superhuman shift across the weekend. (She played 6 matches across the two days!) In the O65s she was pushed hard by eventual 2nd placed player Jo Robinson in a tight 3/1, the 4th being 11/9 too. In the O60s she faced her regular battle partner Siobhan Garland, this time getting past the Cornish player 3/0. Garland herself being clinical in not dropping a game on route to the final.
- Men's O60s and O65s:
O65s - Phillips ages up to grab his 6th title! The recently turned 65 Mike Phillips was dominant in his new age group this year, moving through the draw to take his 6th National title in his 4th different age group. Pretty good going! Gary Preston did really well to come through the bottom half of the draw with some hard fought 3/1 wins in the quarters and semis especially to take runner up.
The O60s draw this year was one of the strongest in terms of the depth of quality of players involved. On another day any of the top 4/8 players could have justifiably taken the title. As it was there was a real shootout across the early rounds, with Martin Greenslade in particular having to fend of 5 set challenges from May and Journeaux to get to the semis. Likewise in the bottom half Darren Withey had a brutal semi final with John Cordeaux in one of the matches of the tournament, eventually upsetting the 2 seed 3/1. In the end however, everyone's nemesis at O60s was there at the final hurdle, like the final boss in a computer game. And thus once again Patrick Osborn prevailed over all, moving serenely through the battlefield of the draw without dropping a game, showing his quality by taking the final 3/0 despite Withey's best efforts to break through. The man seems unstoppable currently!
- Men's O50s & O55s:
Another strong in depth draw in the O55s made it very hard to seed pre event. And this was very evident with Dave Evans being unseeded and yet pushing through to the semi finals with three tough 3/1 wins against Macdonald, Billington and Hall, eventually being stopped in another match of the tournament contender against Merv Davies. This was a schedule destroyer, lasting well over an hour with both players throwing everything at each other. Davies eventually taking the win 3/2. Mark Francis in the top half was pushed similarly hard by Neil Counter in his quarter final, coming through a long 5 set match before taking out 3/4 seed Andy Murray 3/0 in his semi. This perhaps saved him as he looked the fresher out of the two in the final, despite Davies best efforts, Francis took the title 3/0, his first in his new age group!
The O50s was dominated by the silky skills and flair of top seed Mike Gregory who put on a quality show of racket ability and ball control in regaining his National title, beating suprise finalist James Powley 3/0 in the final. Powley doing very well to get past the very hard to beat Chris Morris 3/1 in a long semi final grind.
- Ladies O50s and B Grade:
It was really great to be able to get a load of new faces involved in the Ladies O50s and B Grade draws, there were lots of really great games and a very sociable bunch of players. In the O50s, Jo Perriam played some brilliant matches, hitting quality lines and using her boast well, taking her first National title without dropping a game. Her Devon compatriot Kim Brook doing really well to make it through to her first final. The B Grade draw (new for this year) had a great mix of ages and standards, with some O50s players competing alongside Juniors. In the end it was a Junior who won it, with Bethany Fisher showing a lot of Racketball promise throughout the event, beating EPC's Tina Wotherspoon 3/0 in the Final. Promotion to A Grade next year beckons it seems!
- Men's O40s and O45s:
The Champions of this year's O40s and O45s categories have long proved themselves to be standout competitors in their draws. Ryan Loska has been one of the most consistent players throughout UK Racketball's history and he justified his top seeding by not giving anything away on his route through. Mat Lowery has also been a top dog at this level but he was unable to break through Loska's defences, pushing him hard but ultimately losing out 3/1. Likewise in the Over 40s where Mike Tolman having just aged up into the draw proved to be a fearsome obstacle for all who came up against him. Alex Preston getting a great win against another Series regular Alexis Smith in a brutal 3/2 semi final effort, but ultimately not having enough ammunition to take down the big left handed Yorkshireman. Tolman's first National title in this draw and he certainly looks like a really tough one to take out for a few years to come!
- Men's O35s:
This draw featured two of the toughest matches of the tournament. One of them being a first round!! Jon Newton from Cornwall getting a fantastic upset win by battling back from 0/2 down to take out Paul Norton, 13/11 in the 5th at that! He then even managed to back it up and take out 3/4 seed Callum Arnott in the next round 3/0. That's where the gas ran out as he subsided to top seed Jason Pike 3/0 in the semi final. This then led to what most would agree was match of the tournament, as Pike took on National Championships first time Ali Mutch in the final. In Mutch's words, it was point for point for pretty much all the way through the first 4 games, Pike getting the best of it to go 2/0 up, both 11/8, but then Mutch clawing it back to take games three and four 11/9! This then led to a titanic 5th game (where yours truly was doing his best to scrap out his final on the next door court to the cheers, gasps and shouts from their showdown!!) In the end both players had several match balls in a 5th game ending that had both of them at the very limits of their physical ability. Mutch eventually finding the reserves to scrap his way past Pike with a 15/13 5th game win. In 74 minutes!
- Men's Open B & C Grades:
In a new format for this year we introduced the B and C Grades to the Open draw to try and encourage a larger variety of players to get involved without the fear of ''not being good enough.'' And it worked fantastically well with lots of new faces and some great games across the three days. Both of the Grade Finals ended up being 5 set marathons, with Greg Jansz overcoming a 1/2 defeceit to beat Oliver Palmer to take the C Grade. In the B Grade two Isle of Wight playing partners threw down in a match where both had plenty of chances to take the win. In the end Callum Arnott took it 18/16 in the 5th, leaving both firmly set for a big nap on the way back and on the ferry home...
- Men's and Ladies Open A Grades:
The question on everyone's lips was whether or not the two reigning Champions of the Open category draws (Amber Marshall with 3 consecutive wins, Mike Harris with 6 consecutive wins) could do it again for another year. Both of them faced strong draws and tough Semi Final and Final opponents who were out for their first wins. Marshall beating a spirited effort from Rebecca Symmons and Harris being too experienced for the young and up and coming Callum McGurk.
It ended up being two very contrasting Finals, Marshall showing every ounce of her Racketball quality and ball ability by taking out Kimberly Hay 3/0 in her match, never really giving Hay any sort of foothold in the match despite the ex England Junior Squash player's best attempts.
Harris took on local Warwickshire player Guy Pearson in the Open Men's Final in a game that matches Pearson's attacking intent and ability against Mike's retrieval skills and relentless corner hitting. In the end the game scores didn't really reflect how hard and tight the rallies were, Harris taking the win 3/1 but having to leave everything on court in the process.
So there we have it! A brilliant event and a fantastically sociable and enjoyable weekend for all. We must give a huge thank you to the always lovely Edgbaston Priory and it's staff for hosting us so splendidly again (and Head of Squash Mike Edwards for all his help in the background for the event.) Also to Sutton Coldfield and Chris Hall for opening their courts to us for our plate event matches on the Saturday. A huge help!
We must also thank the England Squash referees who came in on the Sunday to oversee the Semis and Finals. It made a huge difference having them involved, and they also all did a really great job with some difficult battles to look after. Also to our support staff for how unbelievable hard they worked across the 3 days to run the tournament - Ant Stefanelli, Nicky Horn and Tessa Harris. Wouldn't have been anywhere near as good without their efforts.
Finally thank you to our brilliant event sponsors for all their backing for the competition. What they provided enabled us to do fantastic shirts and gift bags, better prizes and trophies, bring in the referees, set up the DJ on the Saturday night and more. It made a huge difference to how great the player experience was and we are very lucky to have their backing. Long may it continue!
Next year's version is already booked in - 18th/19th/20th July 2025, get it in your diaries!
You can find the full results from the weekend on Sporty HQ here:
www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/The-Karakal-British-National-Racketball-Championships-20th21st-July-Edgbaston
Pictures from all the matches here:
www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=UKRacketballSeries&set=a.1413037676310449
And finally, videos from most of the Semis and Finals from the Sunday!
https://www.youtube.com/@Squash57WSF
DRAWS AND SCHEDULE FOR 2024 ARE OUt!
The Digital Office British Racketball National Championships draws and schedules are out!
The full line ups and all the matches for the 19th/20th/21st July British National Racketball Championships at Edgbaston Priory are out, and what a weekend we have in store for our players.
With entries from all over the UK this should be a really fantastic event and we can't wait for the action to start. A mix of returning Champions in as top seeds looking to regain their titles, to new faces and challengers looking to cause some upsets and take the glory! You can find all the necessary info on our Sporty HQ event page via the below link:
https://www.sportyhq.com/.../The-Karakal-British-National...
A massive thanks to our amazing event sponsors for their support and allowing us to make this our biggest and best offering to our entrants to date. From top quality tournament shirts, entry gift bags, Saturday night party and end of event prizes, we have been able to do so much this time round!
Look forward to seeing over 200 of our UK Racketball community across the weekend, all supporters and spectators very much welcome and we will also be trying to provide as much as we can in terms of live streaming and photo updates as we go.
Not long to go...
The full line ups and all the matches for the 19th/20th/21st July British National Racketball Championships at Edgbaston Priory are out, and what a weekend we have in store for our players.
With entries from all over the UK this should be a really fantastic event and we can't wait for the action to start. A mix of returning Champions in as top seeds looking to regain their titles, to new faces and challengers looking to cause some upsets and take the glory! You can find all the necessary info on our Sporty HQ event page via the below link:
https://www.sportyhq.com/.../The-Karakal-British-National...
A massive thanks to our amazing event sponsors for their support and allowing us to make this our biggest and best offering to our entrants to date. From top quality tournament shirts, entry gift bags, Saturday night party and end of event prizes, we have been able to do so much this time round!
Look forward to seeing over 200 of our UK Racketball community across the weekend, all supporters and spectators very much welcome and we will also be trying to provide as much as we can in terms of live streaming and photo updates as we go.
Not long to go...
BACK TO EDGBASTON ONCE MORE FOR 2024...
** ENTRY LIST RELEASE AS OF 6TH JUNE 2024 - SEE WHO IS CURRENTLY SIGNED UP ACROSS THE EVENT CATEGORIES**
| british_national_racketball_championships_entry_list_6th_june_2024.pdf |
Time flies when you are looking forward to an event sometimes, and this year is no exception!
It is already only just a couple of months until the biggest UK Racketball event of the year comes back round again and we can't wait to get it started. We have a host of extras for the players to really make the most of their trip to Edgbaston Priory (better player gift bags, top quality tournament shirts, food deal for Saturday night plus a Saturday night DJ too,) but let's take a recap of last year and see who is already teed up and looking to do some damage in the draws this time round...
In the older categories, we already have two big guns in the Men's O70s draw with Graham Greensall and Ian Graham in the mix. They have clashed twice this season already, Ian 2/0 up overall but matches getting tighter and tighter. With Greensall the defending Champion, he's the one with the target on his back! The 60s & 65s are looking busy with big entries already. The 65s with three top guns already in with Holmes, Preston and Sheik already locked and loaded for battle. The 60s with Osborn and Cordeaux once again looking like the ones to beat, but this time they will be pushed throughout the event, with the likes of Darren Withey (Herts), Nigel Bell (Cornwall), Mike Wardle (Surrey) and Jon Rycroft (Devon,) all quality players with Series wins behind them!
It is great to see a busy Ladies age group pick up already, with the O60/65/70s category with 6 players in as it stands (beginning of May.) It is a mix of ages from 60 to 71 so far, we will divide out the age categories more as and when we get some more players in so please do get your names down for it! We also have 5 players in the Ladies O50 & O55s event so again the more the merrier here too!
The Men's O50s and O55s have always been some of our strongest categories (the Final between Parke and Gregory in the O50s was a tournament highlight last year) and this time round is building to the same! Top Series regulars like Chris Morris, Andy Hopwood and Steve Smith are looking solid at the top end of the 50s, while the newly in age Merv Davies has Shropshire's Nick Billington as his main challenger in the 55s. The Men's 40s & 45s have similarly solid top end, with the return of Ryan Loska to Nationals duty being a standout one to watch. He has however been beaten by Alexis Smith already this season and Smith will be looking to repeat that quality performance on the biggest stage here. Barry Talbot and Adam Giles look to renew their rivalry in the O45s too, Talbot won the last time round but Giles will be pushing for revenge!
The Ladies Open (or A/B Grade) entry is picking up nicely with some new faces in the draw already which is great to see! Reigning Champion Amber Marshall is definitely the one to beat here, but with still a ways to go until entry closes it will be interesting to see who steps up to challenge her. The event will be properly dividied into separate grades if there is a big enough entry so get your name in the mix!
Finally, the Men's O35s and Open (A/B/C) draws. Hampshire's Callum Arnott and Alex Kershaw sit as favourites in the 35s, but with Devon's David Palmer playing his first Nationals also in the draw alongside some other rogue entries, they will face some tough games throughout. The Open event is taking on a slightly different format this year by bringing a C Grade draw in. This means that if players lose their first round they drop into the C, having a chance to battle it out further against players more to their standard. This will hopefully encourage more players of a varied level to get stuck into the event and enjoy their Nationals experience, without making it overly ''elite'' At the top end of this, Mike Harris looks to retain his title for another year, and currently with a whole host of Series regulars in the mix he will have to be at the top of his game to make it through. It will be interesting to see which other top dogs come out to play, to see if they can topple the 6 time winner of the event!
There is loads of space left in all of the draw and we would love to hit a bumper number of 200 entries, so get your name down and the date in your diaries. Entry can be made via Sporty HQ here: www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/The-Karakal-British-National-Racketball-Championships-20th21st-July-Edgbaston
It is already only just a couple of months until the biggest UK Racketball event of the year comes back round again and we can't wait to get it started. We have a host of extras for the players to really make the most of their trip to Edgbaston Priory (better player gift bags, top quality tournament shirts, food deal for Saturday night plus a Saturday night DJ too,) but let's take a recap of last year and see who is already teed up and looking to do some damage in the draws this time round...
In the older categories, we already have two big guns in the Men's O70s draw with Graham Greensall and Ian Graham in the mix. They have clashed twice this season already, Ian 2/0 up overall but matches getting tighter and tighter. With Greensall the defending Champion, he's the one with the target on his back! The 60s & 65s are looking busy with big entries already. The 65s with three top guns already in with Holmes, Preston and Sheik already locked and loaded for battle. The 60s with Osborn and Cordeaux once again looking like the ones to beat, but this time they will be pushed throughout the event, with the likes of Darren Withey (Herts), Nigel Bell (Cornwall), Mike Wardle (Surrey) and Jon Rycroft (Devon,) all quality players with Series wins behind them!
It is great to see a busy Ladies age group pick up already, with the O60/65/70s category with 6 players in as it stands (beginning of May.) It is a mix of ages from 60 to 71 so far, we will divide out the age categories more as and when we get some more players in so please do get your names down for it! We also have 5 players in the Ladies O50 & O55s event so again the more the merrier here too!
The Men's O50s and O55s have always been some of our strongest categories (the Final between Parke and Gregory in the O50s was a tournament highlight last year) and this time round is building to the same! Top Series regulars like Chris Morris, Andy Hopwood and Steve Smith are looking solid at the top end of the 50s, while the newly in age Merv Davies has Shropshire's Nick Billington as his main challenger in the 55s. The Men's 40s & 45s have similarly solid top end, with the return of Ryan Loska to Nationals duty being a standout one to watch. He has however been beaten by Alexis Smith already this season and Smith will be looking to repeat that quality performance on the biggest stage here. Barry Talbot and Adam Giles look to renew their rivalry in the O45s too, Talbot won the last time round but Giles will be pushing for revenge!
The Ladies Open (or A/B Grade) entry is picking up nicely with some new faces in the draw already which is great to see! Reigning Champion Amber Marshall is definitely the one to beat here, but with still a ways to go until entry closes it will be interesting to see who steps up to challenge her. The event will be properly dividied into separate grades if there is a big enough entry so get your name in the mix!
Finally, the Men's O35s and Open (A/B/C) draws. Hampshire's Callum Arnott and Alex Kershaw sit as favourites in the 35s, but with Devon's David Palmer playing his first Nationals also in the draw alongside some other rogue entries, they will face some tough games throughout. The Open event is taking on a slightly different format this year by bringing a C Grade draw in. This means that if players lose their first round they drop into the C, having a chance to battle it out further against players more to their standard. This will hopefully encourage more players of a varied level to get stuck into the event and enjoy their Nationals experience, without making it overly ''elite'' At the top end of this, Mike Harris looks to retain his title for another year, and currently with a whole host of Series regulars in the mix he will have to be at the top of his game to make it through. It will be interesting to see which other top dogs come out to play, to see if they can topple the 6 time winner of the event!
There is loads of space left in all of the draw and we would love to hit a bumper number of 200 entries, so get your name down and the date in your diaries. Entry can be made via Sporty HQ here: www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/The-Karakal-British-National-Racketball-Championships-20th21st-July-Edgbaston
Event 7 - 2024 UK Racketball Series
What: The Karakal British Racketball National Championships
When: Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st July 2024.
NOTE: Grades with over 16 players may either have rounds on Friday 19th evening, or early Saturday 20th morning.
Where: Edgbaston Priory Club, Birmingham
Postcode: B15 2UZ
Closing Date: Saturday 6th July (please note that this is two weeks before the event rather than the usual Series events one week)
Cost: £40.00 (includes top quality quick dry sublimated iPRO Sports tournament t-shirt, plus entry goody bag!)
Cost 2nd Grade: £15.00
TOURNAMENT ENTRY VIA:
https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/The-Karakal-British-National-Racketball-Championships-20th21st-July-Edgbaston
NEW OPEN CATEGORY GRADING SET UP:
This year we are trialling A, B and C Grades for the Mixed event, and also Ladies A and B Grades.
This is in a bid to try and encourage more entrants into the Open categories while still making sure players get lots of matches and equal competition!
Both events will all start out with everyone in the ''A Grade'' with Mixed first round losers then moving straight into the C Draw. The Ladies first round losers to the B draw. These then play out separately.
Then in the Mixed A/B category, the loser of this next round then moves into the B Grade, with the remainder finishing up the A (similarly the remaining Ladies players play out the A Grade event!)
So everyone will be guaranteed 3 matches in the event, with prizes for each Grade finalist.
In theory the Grade levels should roughly be:
A Grade - Top county team, UK Racketball Series event A Grade regulars
B Grade - Lower county team, UK Racketball Series event B Grade regulars, newly converted Squash players
C Grade - UK Racketball Series event B Grade occasionals, club players, newly converted club level Squash players
NOTE: We will be allowing all Junior player entrants FREE OF CHARGE entry into the Men's and Ladies Open categories in a bid to promote the sport. So you pay your Junior entry and then contact [email protected] to register the extra event.
ALSO INTRODUCING:
SATURDAY NIGHT PLAYERS PARTY: On the Saturday evening around the time the last matches are finishing we will have a DJ set up in the Edgbaston Priory Club bar/restaurant and a food & drinks deal on for all players. Part of what we love about UK Racketball events is the social side so we hope to have a great evening! More info on this to follow soon.
SUNDAY MORNING FUN DOUBLES: For anyone knocked out of the Championships but is still around and fancies blowing away some of the previous days (and nights?!) cobwebs we have a social Doubles tournament running 9am - 11.30am on the Sunday morning. £10 entry per pairing, entry limit of 8 pairs total! Sign up on the Saturday of the event at the tournament desk!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please email [email protected] with your tournament shirt size and type on entry. (Ladies entrants have the choice of a standard t-shirt or a vest top.) Also if you have any potential start time issues over the event.
We have a new set of British National Racketball Champions for 2023!
A highly enjoyable and top quality weekend of Racketball has come to an end at Edgbaston Priory in Birmingham, and we have a new group of Racketball National Championship title holders! This was our largest spread of entries to date, with the youngest being 12 years old and the most senior at 85. A really amazing display of how accessible the game is to players of all ages and abilities.
We were lucky to be hosted once again by the fabulous Edgbaston Priory club in Birmingham and we must say a big thank you to the club, it's staff, and it's Head of Squash Mike Edwards for making us feel so welcome and to opening its facilities (and more importantly it's bar!!) up to us for the weekend.
The event was also very fortunate to have several sponsors, all of whom either contributed to the prizes for all the finalists, or to the entry gift bags & tournament shirts which all players recieved upon signing in. Thank you to all the below for their kind support of the tournament, it is really appreciated by all involved and without it we wouldn't be able to make the event as great as it is!
Karakal UK
Digital Office
Go Greek Wholesale Foods
Bond Adams Solicitors
Worxinfo
Colton Packaging
Morris Property
Birford Cable & Harness
Also to Collis Sheik & Tariq Choudhry for their support in getting some of the sponsor contacts set up!
Our full list of Championship winners below:
Open - Mike Harris
Ladies - Amber Marshall
B Grade - Colin Griggs
Juniors - Ben Jones
O35s - Mike Tolman
O40s - Dan Soar
Ladies O40s - Elspeth Edwards
O45s - Mat Lowery
O50s - Simon Parke
Ladies O50s - Tina Wotherspoon
O55s - Jim Lord
Ladies O55s - Leslie Sturgess
O60s - Neil Baldwin
Ladies O60s - Leslie Sturgess
O65s - Graham Holmes
O70s - Graham Greensall
Ladies O70s - Melodie Ripley
O75s - Howard Thompson
O80s - John Shingler
You can find the full draws and results from the weekend's action HERE
A rundown of the weekend's action - the big matches, the upsets and surprises!
This year's event saw a mixture of results, from previous winners retaining their titles for another season, to brand new Champions and upset victories. The former saw last year's Men's and Ladies Open winners Mike Harris and Amber Marshall both take the British title once again, both with 3/0 victories but pushed hard within that scoreline against opponents who were featuring in their first Open category Championship finals - Matt Bedwell and Elspeth Edwards.
In the Master's age groups, Leslie Sturgess managed to take the Ladies O55s and O60s titles in solid 3/0 victories, and Howard Thompson defeated his perennial O75s rival Pete Hamlett in a brutal 3/2 Final to retain his once again.
In terms of new winners, there were plenty across the age categories who were winning either their very first Racketball National Championship title, or their first in their respective age groups. Notably Mat Lowery taking the very last match of the tournament in a tough 3/1 final vs Ian Cox in the O45s, and Simon Parke playing probably the match of the tournament vs Mike Gregory in the O50s Final, winning 3/2 in a really tough encounter with both players showcasing some phenomenal racket skill and nous throughout.
It was great to see the Junior event back again, this time with Ben Jones from Devon taking the title without dropping a game through the event. Kudos to Aedan Matamisa for coming 2nd at just 12 years old! In the Ladies side, Elspeth Edwards took her first O40s title (though not her first National title as I was reliably informed, having made an error in previous write ups!) Local member Tina Wotherspoon also doing excellently to win her first Nationals title in the O50s!
As mentioned there were also some rivalries renewed across the draws and some of the matches definitely didn't disappoint. UK Racketball Series regulars Paul Norton and Callum Arnott met in the O35s semi final and had a brilliant match with both players using all angles and corners of the court to brutalise each other. Arnott eventually taking the match 3/2 11/9 in the 5th game. Collis Sheik & Graham Holmes renewed their Over 65s's rivalry, Sheik having won in the Scottish Open against Holmes earlier in the year. Graham however found that extra mileage where it mattered, managing to see Collis off 3/2 11/8 in the 5th game to take the O65s National title!
Sufficient to say, the standard across the weekend was absolutely brilliant. Thank you to all of those who took part and made it such an enjoyable and exciting event to be involved in. We already have 2024's date in the diary - 20/21st July, so we are planning ahead to try and make it bigger and better! Now however we look toward the Bluebell Wood British Open Championships in Sheffield on the 7th/8th October for our next dose of Major Racketball Championships action.
Until then...
A highly enjoyable and top quality weekend of Racketball has come to an end at Edgbaston Priory in Birmingham, and we have a new group of Racketball National Championship title holders! This was our largest spread of entries to date, with the youngest being 12 years old and the most senior at 85. A really amazing display of how accessible the game is to players of all ages and abilities.
We were lucky to be hosted once again by the fabulous Edgbaston Priory club in Birmingham and we must say a big thank you to the club, it's staff, and it's Head of Squash Mike Edwards for making us feel so welcome and to opening its facilities (and more importantly it's bar!!) up to us for the weekend.
The event was also very fortunate to have several sponsors, all of whom either contributed to the prizes for all the finalists, or to the entry gift bags & tournament shirts which all players recieved upon signing in. Thank you to all the below for their kind support of the tournament, it is really appreciated by all involved and without it we wouldn't be able to make the event as great as it is!
Karakal UK
Digital Office
Go Greek Wholesale Foods
Bond Adams Solicitors
Worxinfo
Colton Packaging
Morris Property
Birford Cable & Harness
Also to Collis Sheik & Tariq Choudhry for their support in getting some of the sponsor contacts set up!
Our full list of Championship winners below:
Open - Mike Harris
Ladies - Amber Marshall
B Grade - Colin Griggs
Juniors - Ben Jones
O35s - Mike Tolman
O40s - Dan Soar
Ladies O40s - Elspeth Edwards
O45s - Mat Lowery
O50s - Simon Parke
Ladies O50s - Tina Wotherspoon
O55s - Jim Lord
Ladies O55s - Leslie Sturgess
O60s - Neil Baldwin
Ladies O60s - Leslie Sturgess
O65s - Graham Holmes
O70s - Graham Greensall
Ladies O70s - Melodie Ripley
O75s - Howard Thompson
O80s - John Shingler
You can find the full draws and results from the weekend's action HERE
A rundown of the weekend's action - the big matches, the upsets and surprises!
This year's event saw a mixture of results, from previous winners retaining their titles for another season, to brand new Champions and upset victories. The former saw last year's Men's and Ladies Open winners Mike Harris and Amber Marshall both take the British title once again, both with 3/0 victories but pushed hard within that scoreline against opponents who were featuring in their first Open category Championship finals - Matt Bedwell and Elspeth Edwards.
In the Master's age groups, Leslie Sturgess managed to take the Ladies O55s and O60s titles in solid 3/0 victories, and Howard Thompson defeated his perennial O75s rival Pete Hamlett in a brutal 3/2 Final to retain his once again.
In terms of new winners, there were plenty across the age categories who were winning either their very first Racketball National Championship title, or their first in their respective age groups. Notably Mat Lowery taking the very last match of the tournament in a tough 3/1 final vs Ian Cox in the O45s, and Simon Parke playing probably the match of the tournament vs Mike Gregory in the O50s Final, winning 3/2 in a really tough encounter with both players showcasing some phenomenal racket skill and nous throughout.
It was great to see the Junior event back again, this time with Ben Jones from Devon taking the title without dropping a game through the event. Kudos to Aedan Matamisa for coming 2nd at just 12 years old! In the Ladies side, Elspeth Edwards took her first O40s title (though not her first National title as I was reliably informed, having made an error in previous write ups!) Local member Tina Wotherspoon also doing excellently to win her first Nationals title in the O50s!
As mentioned there were also some rivalries renewed across the draws and some of the matches definitely didn't disappoint. UK Racketball Series regulars Paul Norton and Callum Arnott met in the O35s semi final and had a brilliant match with both players using all angles and corners of the court to brutalise each other. Arnott eventually taking the match 3/2 11/9 in the 5th game. Collis Sheik & Graham Holmes renewed their Over 65s's rivalry, Sheik having won in the Scottish Open against Holmes earlier in the year. Graham however found that extra mileage where it mattered, managing to see Collis off 3/2 11/8 in the 5th game to take the O65s National title!
Sufficient to say, the standard across the weekend was absolutely brilliant. Thank you to all of those who took part and made it such an enjoyable and exciting event to be involved in. We already have 2024's date in the diary - 20/21st July, so we are planning ahead to try and make it bigger and better! Now however we look toward the Bluebell Wood British Open Championships in Sheffield on the 7th/8th October for our next dose of Major Racketball Championships action.
Until then...
karakalRacketball/Squash57 Nationals 2023 introduction
We are aware that some of our players are experiencing issues with entering through SportyHQ. Most entries are working through the site - https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-6-West-of-England-Racketball-Open-2nd-July-Leamington - if you have any issues please contact Mike [email protected] or 07789 394617
The British National Championships was founded in 1984 making it the sports oldest event. The event is now well established as the highlight of the tournament calendar and the not to miss tournament of the circuit!
Despite the events title as a National Championship the spirit of the UK-Racketball Series and the sport follows through to this event. It really is a tournament for all ages and abilities. Competitive on court but played in a great spirit and with a great atmosphere at the club.
In 2023 The British National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships will take place at it's traditional home Edgbaston Priory Club from the 15th to the 16th of July. This will be a two-day event with most grades starting on Saturday morning/lunchtime and finishing on Sunday afternoon.
Head down this page for online entry
Despite the events title as a National Championship the spirit of the UK-Racketball Series and the sport follows through to this event. It really is a tournament for all ages and abilities. Competitive on court but played in a great spirit and with a great atmosphere at the club.
In 2023 The British National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships will take place at it's traditional home Edgbaston Priory Club from the 15th to the 16th of July. This will be a two-day event with most grades starting on Saturday morning/lunchtime and finishing on Sunday afternoon.
Head down this page for online entry
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Racketball/ Squash57 Nationals
Main Tournament Details What: The Karakal Racketball/Squash57 Nationals When: Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th July Where: Edgbaston Priory Club Postcode: B15 2UZ Closing Date: Saturday 1st July (please note that this is two weeks before the event rather than the usual Series events one week) Cost: £40.00 (includes top quality quick dry sublimated t-shirt) Cost 2nd Grade: £15.00 More Information: Email [email protected] or call Mike on 07789 394617 if your enquiry is urgent. ONLINE ENTRY HERE Follow this link to view all of the Racketball and Squash 57 Title holders since the first event back in 1984... |
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online entry through sportyhq
For 2023 UK-Racketball have partnered with SportyHQ to make online entries work even smoother
Follow this link to enter online -
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 -
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
Grades
Men’s Championship
Men's O35 Championship
Men’s O40 Championship
Men’s O45 Championship
Men’s O50 Championship
Men’s O55 Championship
Men’s O60 Championship
Men’s O65 Championship
Men’s O70 Championship
Men’s O75 Championship
Men's O80 Championship
Women’s Championship
Women’s O35 Championship
Women's O40 Championship
Women’s O45 Championship
Women's O50 Championship
Women’s O55 Championships
Women’s O60 Championship
Women’s O65 Championship
Women’s O70 Championship
Women’s O75 Championship
Juniors
Boy's Under 13
Boy's Under 15
Boy's Under 17
Boy's Under 19
Girl's Under 13
Girl's Under 15
Girl's Under 17
Girl's Under 19
You must be eligible to play in the event that you enter. The cut off date for age groups is the weekend of the competition. For example you must be 35 years old or older on 1st day of the competition to be eligible to play in the Over 35’s.
You can play in more than one grade but not more than two. If you do decide to play in two grades be aware that due to the infinite combination of different grade options the schedule will not be based around multiple grades. It is impossible to keep all players participating in multiple grades happy. Some of the players love have a break between matches, others like to have them back to back so that they don't get cold and then have to start again. Some players always want a much bigger break and get some food in the middle. Please be aware that playing in two grades might result in back to back matches or in you only having two hours between matches and not enough time to get proper food. If you decide to participate in two grades you need to be aware that you might have four matches in a day.
If you enter one of the more popular categories you might have to play on the Friday evening. In 2021 this was the case for the men's open, men's over 45's, men's over 50's and men's over 55's. This will be communicated to you before any draws are made, if you are unable to play on the Friday and your draw numbers demand it you will be eligible for a full refund.
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mike directly on 07789 394617 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
Men's O35 Championship
Men’s O40 Championship
Men’s O45 Championship
Men’s O50 Championship
Men’s O55 Championship
Men’s O60 Championship
Men’s O65 Championship
Men’s O70 Championship
Men’s O75 Championship
Men's O80 Championship
Women’s Championship
Women’s O35 Championship
Women's O40 Championship
Women’s O45 Championship
Women's O50 Championship
Women’s O55 Championships
Women’s O60 Championship
Women’s O65 Championship
Women’s O70 Championship
Women’s O75 Championship
Juniors
Boy's Under 13
Boy's Under 15
Boy's Under 17
Boy's Under 19
Girl's Under 13
Girl's Under 15
Girl's Under 17
Girl's Under 19
You must be eligible to play in the event that you enter. The cut off date for age groups is the weekend of the competition. For example you must be 35 years old or older on 1st day of the competition to be eligible to play in the Over 35’s.
You can play in more than one grade but not more than two. If you do decide to play in two grades be aware that due to the infinite combination of different grade options the schedule will not be based around multiple grades. It is impossible to keep all players participating in multiple grades happy. Some of the players love have a break between matches, others like to have them back to back so that they don't get cold and then have to start again. Some players always want a much bigger break and get some food in the middle. Please be aware that playing in two grades might result in back to back matches or in you only having two hours between matches and not enough time to get proper food. If you decide to participate in two grades you need to be aware that you might have four matches in a day.
If you enter one of the more popular categories you might have to play on the Friday evening. In 2021 this was the case for the men's open, men's over 45's, men's over 50's and men's over 55's. This will be communicated to you before any draws are made, if you are unable to play on the Friday and your draw numbers demand it you will be eligible for a full refund.
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mike directly on 07789 394617 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
Plate Competitions
We will run a plate competition for all categories. You need to inform the tournament organiser before the event starts if you do not wise to play in the plate. This will need to be done before the draws are done so before Thursday 13th July.
Prizes and T-Shirts
As part of your £40 entry each competitor will receive a free t-shirt. These are a high quality quick dry sublimated print and will be designed and produced by IPro.
Trophies will be given out to the winner and the runner up for each grade.
Prizes for all Nationals winners and runners-up will be presented on the day.
All National Champions winners and runner-up's will receive a Karakal rucksack, wristbands, grip packs, and set of string.
Series Points
All competitors will win Series points that count towards their overall finishing position for the 2022 Series. This is the case if you win the event or lose in the first round. The number of points that you make is decided by your finishing position.
The top 10 points scores over the course of the Series will receive prizes at the last event of the Series the National Racketball Doubles. Click here for more info on the 2023 Series and prizes - www.uk-racketball.com/2023-series-rankings.html
More Information: email Mike [email protected] or call Mike on 07789 394617
Trophies will be given out to the winner and the runner up for each grade.
Prizes for all Nationals winners and runners-up will be presented on the day.
All National Champions winners and runner-up's will receive a Karakal rucksack, wristbands, grip packs, and set of string.
Series Points
All competitors will win Series points that count towards their overall finishing position for the 2022 Series. This is the case if you win the event or lose in the first round. The number of points that you make is decided by your finishing position.
The top 10 points scores over the course of the Series will receive prizes at the last event of the Series the National Racketball Doubles. Click here for more info on the 2023 Series and prizes - www.uk-racketball.com/2023-series-rankings.html
More Information: email Mike [email protected] or call Mike on 07789 394617
Tournament Structure
All matches will be best of 5 games to 11 PAR (point a rally) scoring.
Events will be straight knockout or group stages depending on entries.
Referees
In the UK-Racketball Series all matches are refereed by the player who won the previous match on that court. The feedback on the Series events is that this works really well and therefore the same format will take place in The National Championships.
WINNERS WILL REFEREE THE NEXT MATCH ON THE COURT THEY HAVE JUST PLAYED ON.
If you are playing in multiple grades and have another match following on you will need to find someone who can referee for you. The best thing to do is to explain to your opponent the situation and see if he can help.
If you are unable to referee for any reason and are unable to find someone to help you please contact the desk as soon as you can.
This event will run well with you co-oporation.
Events will be straight knockout or group stages depending on entries.
Referees
In the UK-Racketball Series all matches are refereed by the player who won the previous match on that court. The feedback on the Series events is that this works really well and therefore the same format will take place in The National Championships.
WINNERS WILL REFEREE THE NEXT MATCH ON THE COURT THEY HAVE JUST PLAYED ON.
If you are playing in multiple grades and have another match following on you will need to find someone who can referee for you. The best thing to do is to explain to your opponent the situation and see if he can help.
If you are unable to referee for any reason and are unable to find someone to help you please contact the desk as soon as you can.
This event will run well with you co-oporation.
Dunlop Black Balls
The Dunlop double dot ball will be used for all grades. The feedback in the past has been very positive both for the Squash57 and Racketball Nationals. The Racketball ball is still a contentious issue in the UK with many different areas using different balls however the Dunlop Ball is quite a middle of the road ball so although it might not be ideal for everyone we feel that this is the best ball overall for the event.
Entry List, Draws and Schedules Release Dates
Saturday 2nd July – 14 days before the event - Please make a note of this. The Nationals will close two weeks before the event. This is different to the normal time frame for UK-Racketball events.
Monday 4th July – 12 days before the event - An entry list will be released on www.uk-racketball.com If you have entered the event then please check on the Monday that your entry has been received and that you are on the list. If you should be on the list but are not then please email Mark Fuller [email protected] as soon as possible.
Thursday 7th July – 10 days before the event – Draws and Schedules will be released on www.uk-racketball.com
Monday 4th July – 12 days before the event - An entry list will be released on www.uk-racketball.com If you have entered the event then please check on the Monday that your entry has been received and that you are on the list. If you should be on the list but are not then please email Mark Fuller [email protected] as soon as possible.
Thursday 7th July – 10 days before the event – Draws and Schedules will be released on www.uk-racketball.com
Late entries and impact on draw
If you have missed the entry deadline please email [email protected]
You will be placed on a reserve list and if someone pulls out injured or for any reason you will be able to take their place in the draw. This is often the case but we cannot guarantee it.
We will swap the player on the reserve list directly into the draw to replace the player who pulled out. This will be the case irrespectively of seeding positions. This can potentially be unfair on a seeded player who is now up against a tough reserve in an early round but is better for the community than the alternative which would be to change seeding positions around and potentially change a start day for a player if they were moved from being a seed to unseeded. Many players have to arrange work around the draw we do not feel that it is fair on them to be moved around and potentially change their start time or day.
You will be placed on a reserve list and if someone pulls out injured or for any reason you will be able to take their place in the draw. This is often the case but we cannot guarantee it.
We will swap the player on the reserve list directly into the draw to replace the player who pulled out. This will be the case irrespectively of seeding positions. This can potentially be unfair on a seeded player who is now up against a tough reserve in an early round but is better for the community than the alternative which would be to change seeding positions around and potentially change a start day for a player if they were moved from being a seed to unseeded. Many players have to arrange work around the draw we do not feel that it is fair on them to be moved around and potentially change their start time or day.
Edgbaston Priory Club Facilities
Edgbaston Priory Club is arguably the best Squash and Racketball venue in the country and one of the nicest clubs in the world.
Through entering the Racketball/Squash57 Nationals you will receive a club wristband with full access to the outdoor pool, indoor pool and gym. What an amazing place to spend a summer weekend!
Edgbaston Priory Club has plenty of onsite parking, a bar open all day serving hot and cold food, a gym to warm up in before your matches, and a sauna and steam room to warm down and relax after playing.
The club is used to host plenty of important events, including The Birmingham Classic Tennis, British Junior Open Squash, and National Clubs.
We are incredibly lucky to be able to run an event at such a fantastic club. Make the most of it!
Catering - The club menu is very good. Alongside this the club is putting on a special tournament quick options. Posters will be up around the club.
Wristbands and Bags - We are very lucky to be running this event at such a fantastic club. At registration you will be given a wristband, you will be asked to wear this throughout the competition. Events of this size can make the club look very untidy, please make a special effort to keep your kit together, when you're not playing please keep you bag in a locker or in the designated bag storage areas.
Through entering the Racketball/Squash57 Nationals you will receive a club wristband with full access to the outdoor pool, indoor pool and gym. What an amazing place to spend a summer weekend!
Edgbaston Priory Club has plenty of onsite parking, a bar open all day serving hot and cold food, a gym to warm up in before your matches, and a sauna and steam room to warm down and relax after playing.
The club is used to host plenty of important events, including The Birmingham Classic Tennis, British Junior Open Squash, and National Clubs.
We are incredibly lucky to be able to run an event at such a fantastic club. Make the most of it!
Catering - The club menu is very good. Alongside this the club is putting on a special tournament quick options. Posters will be up around the club.
Wristbands and Bags - We are very lucky to be running this event at such a fantastic club. At registration you will be given a wristband, you will be asked to wear this throughout the competition. Events of this size can make the club look very untidy, please make a special effort to keep your kit together, when you're not playing please keep you bag in a locker or in the designated bag storage areas.
club location
Along with the facilities and atmosphere the club location is another reason why events at Edgbatson Priory prove to be so popular. With the city being central to the UK and in the centre of key motorway networks it can be reached easily from all areas of the country.
Edgbaston Priory Club
Sir Harrys Road
Birmingham
B15 2UZ
Tel: 01214400492
Click here to visit the club website for more information
Car Parking - use the Priory Road entrance, this is the back car park used for events
Edgbaston Priory Club
Sir Harrys Road
Birmingham
B15 2UZ
Tel: 01214400492
Click here to visit the club website for more information
Car Parking - use the Priory Road entrance, this is the back car park used for events
The National Racketball/ Squash57 Championships history
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The Racketball Nationals has been running since 1984, follow this link to see the Hall of Fame...
Racketball Nationals - Results and Reports 2022 - HEAD National Racketball/Squash57 Championships 2021 - HEAD National Racketball Championships 2019 - HEAD National Racketball/Squash57 Championships 2018 - HEAD National Racketball Championships 2018 - Squash57 National Championships 2017 - HEAD National Racketball Championships 2017 - Squash57 National Championships 2016 - Dunlop National Championships 2015 - Dunlop National Championships 2014 - Dunlop National Championships 2013 - Dunlop National Championships 2012 - Dunlop National Championships 2011 - Dunlop National Championships 2010 - National Racketball Championships 2009 - National Racketball Championships - before the founding of UK-Racketball 2008 - National Racketball Championships |
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WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR . . . Amber Marshall and Mike Harris retain National Championship Titles
A sunny weekend at The Edgbaston Priory Club and some of the best Racketball we have seen at the National Championships. This is the event the Racketball community looks forward to every year, a chance to catch up with old friends, renew old rivalries and add new names to the Racketball/Squash57 Nationals Halls of Fame.
2022 did not disappoint with brilliant Racketball, great fun by the outdoor pool and new names engraved into the sports history.
In a great women’s tournament it was last years Champion Amber Marshall who came through as champion after fending off the challenge of local coach Roxy Keshavarz, previous champion Natalie Lawrence and local rising Racketball star Rebecca Symmons.
The large crowd that had stayed for the National Men’s Championship final was gutted when UK-Racketball Series legend Luke Bishop was forced to withdraw injured. Bishop had defeated local seed topper Lewis Anderson in the semi finals and was on fine form going into the final but Harris is looking more and more dominant on the Racketball front though, taking this National Title without dropping a single game.
The standard of Racketball in the Men’s and Women’s 35’s was of the highest level with Sutton’s Chris Hall taking the Men’s and Natalie Lawrence adding to her growing tally of National Titles in the Women’s.
Ryan Loska saw off all challenges in the Over 40’s and continued the phenomenal run of victories that he is now accumulating across the country in the UK-Racketball Series. Mike Gregory was pushed hard multiple times in the Over 45’s but despite the best efforts and a huge amount of running from both Mat Lowery and Andrew Speake his court craft and accuracy proved decisive and granted him another title.
In an all Shropshire Over 50’s final it was Chris Morris who defeated fellow club friend Chris Wase. These two are rivals on tour and in weekly battles, on the day Morris had the best of it but they are both improving fast and looking like the men to beat in the Over 50’s.
Ryan Loska saw off all challenges in the Over 40’s and continued the phenomenal run of victories that he is now accumulating across the country in the UK-Racketball Series. Mike Gregory was pushed hard multiple times in the Over 45’s but despite the best efforts and a huge amount of running from both Mat Lowery and Andrew Speake his court craft and accuracy proved decisive and granted him another title.
In an all Shropshire Over 50’s final it was Chris Morris who defeated fellow club friend Chris Wase. These two are rivals on tour and in weekly battles, on the day Morris had the best of it but they are both improving fast and looking like the men to beat in the Over 50’s.
It is rare to see someone completely shocked to have won a National Title but this was the case in the Over 55’s when Siobhan Garland defeated Lesley Sturgess. Garland played fantastic Racketball throughout, fighting hard and taking her chances when they came, a brilliant performance as it always has to be to get anywhere near the quality of Sturgess. In the Men’s 55’s Neil Baldwin proved too strong for Hampshires Jonathan Edwards in the final with controlled Racketball giving him the 11/4, 11/7, 11/2 win.
Patrick Osborn’s control and tactical savvy proved decisive in the Over 60’s over coming Martin Greenslade 3-0 in the final. Greenslade’s semi final against Paul Haigh proved to be one of the matches of the day eventually being won 11/9 in the 5th after over an hour on court! In the Women’s 60’s Lesley Sturgess added another title to her collection with victory over Jo Robinson making her one of the top title winners across categories in the history of the competition.
In the Men’s Over 65’s number 4 seed Stephen Johnson overcame all challenges to take the title with a victory over number one seed Graham Holmes in the final. Ian Graham was not to be denied in the Men’s Over 70’s and added another title to the records with no dropped games or tie breaks throughout the weekend.
Patrick Osborn’s control and tactical savvy proved decisive in the Over 60’s over coming Martin Greenslade 3-0 in the final. Greenslade’s semi final against Paul Haigh proved to be one of the matches of the day eventually being won 11/9 in the 5th after over an hour on court! In the Women’s 60’s Lesley Sturgess added another title to her collection with victory over Jo Robinson making her one of the top title winners across categories in the history of the competition.
In the Men’s Over 65’s number 4 seed Stephen Johnson overcame all challenges to take the title with a victory over number one seed Graham Holmes in the final. Ian Graham was not to be denied in the Men’s Over 70’s and added another title to the records with no dropped games or tie breaks throughout the weekend.
The Men’s Over 75’s and 80’s was a fantastic display of Racketball with some tough rallies, cunning tactics and tenacity displayed throughout. It is a testimony to our sport that players can play to such a high level for so long. Jersey’s Howard Thompson succeeded in claiming the Over 75’s crown. Andrew Rugg-Gunn won all 3 matches in the Over 80’s round robin against, John Bennett, Gordon Stringer and Brian Gurnett in a great display of Racketball skill!
This years Nationals was one to remember! For the full results list follow this link to SportyHQ - https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-7-Head-National-Racketball-Championships-16th17th-July-Edgbaston
Follow this link for all of this years photos - https://www.facebook.com/UKRacketballSeries
This years Nationals was one to remember! For the full results list follow this link to SportyHQ - https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-7-Head-National-Racketball-Championships-16th17th-July-Edgbaston
Follow this link for all of this years photos - https://www.facebook.com/UKRacketballSeries
