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
