london racketball open Report
It was a long overdue return to Bexley for the London Racketball Open after a two year pause due to the pandemic for one of our top clubs. Bexley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club has a special part in the history of our sport with Ian Wright first building the game here 55 years ago. It is great to be able to come back to Bexley and to continue to build upon that history.
Patrick Osborn continued his impressive run in the Over 60’s defeating Group A runner up Manuel Costa to set up a final against Graham Appleby who overcame the challenge from Akhtar Khokhar in the Group B decider. Appleby did not have enough to overcome the constant, methodical play of Osborn who is on course for an undefeated UK-Racketball season.
In a very high standard A Grade Michael Robinson came through as victor with four hard matches in the group stage. Robinson was first pushed hard by National Champion Amber Marshall, was taken to a decider by Ben Hedger and had to pull out all the stops against local Billy Jones.
It really was Robinson’s day, he has improved considerably this season and adding The London Open to his North East of England title earlier in the year is testament to that. To beat the hard hitting of Billy Jones is always tough, to do it at Bexley is even tougher. Robinson hardly made an error all day and the improvement in consistency combined with such a formidable fitness base.
Marc Thornley used a combination of good retrieving and a superb backhand hold to see off all challenges in Group A of the Over 50’s. Jason Russell continued his good run of form in the national over 50’s series with dynamic movement and hard hitting seeing him through the group with a 72% point win rate the highest of the day. This was especially impressive considering the standard of opposition with Phillip Hall, Paul Dodds and Scotland’s Scott Mowat all set against him.
The final of the Over 50’s was a great encounter between two top players. Thornley looked to break up the movement of Russell and keep the ball as tight as possible. At times it looked to be working with some expertly crafted rallies but in the end the sheer physicality of Russell combined with his tenacious nature was too much for Thornley. In Thornley’s own words, “he’s just so bloody fast”. A great battle and I am sure that Thornley will already be plotting revenge!
The top two seeds made it through the groups in the doubles. There was great movement throughout the day with players scrambling to clear, smoothly moving away from the centre and fighting hard to stay in rallies when they found themselves out of position. The combination of Paul Norton and Billy Jones proved too much for the competition in Group A with a 69% point win ratio. Good friends, Manuel Da Costa (Portugal) and Marc Thornley (Woodford Wells) finished in 2nd place with a quality display of tactical Racketball.
Zoe Fennell and Patrick Osborn were Group B victors seeing out a tough match against Paul Dodds and Akhtar Khokhar in the group decider. The final was great contest between two of the top UK doubles pairing and witnessed some great racket work and tactical skill from both pairs. In the end it was the combination of Jones and Norton who came through as champions.
Graham Greensall’s Racketball seems to be building at the moment and it was a superb display of skill which saw him add the London Racketball Open to his list of Over 70’s titles with victories over both John Moore and Joe Hely.
Only a few percentage points separated the players in the Over 40’s. Ossie Mustafa (59.06%) was crowned champion but both Nicholas Camus (51.26%) and Paul Norton (51.41%) were only a few percentage points behind in terms of points win to loss ratio which showed just how competitive it was.
Zoe Fennell and Patrick Osborn were Group B victors seeing out a tough match against Paul Dodds and Akhtar Khokhar in the group decider. The final was great contest between two of the top UK doubles pairing and witnessed some great racket work and tactical skill from both pairs. In the end it was the combination of Jones and Norton who came through as champions.
Graham Greensall’s Racketball seems to be building at the moment and it was a superb display of skill which saw him add the London Racketball Open to his list of Over 70’s titles with victories over both John Moore and Joe Hely.
Only a few percentage points separated the players in the Over 40’s. Ossie Mustafa (59.06%) was crowned champion but both Nicholas Camus (51.26%) and Paul Norton (51.41%) were only a few percentage points behind in terms of points win to loss ratio which showed just how competitive it was.
It was a B Grade with a bit of a difference with an injured Luke Bishop making his debut. Bishop is one of our all-time title winners and has won the A Grade at Broxbourne, Lee-on-the-Solent and Leamington so far this season. It shows just how much the community and playing these events means to Bishop that despite a seriously injured right shoulder he insisted on playing left handed. The series regulars loved moving Luke Bishop around and getting the in some wins against him.
The B Grade was the biggest draw of the day with group stage victories earning players a place in the finals. Stuart Tyler claimed group A, he was beaten in the first of the semi finals by Donavan Eastes the victor of group B. Jodey Watts was undefeated in group C but with the way that the lucky loser draw coin toss fell ended up against Group C runner up Nick Moore in the semi-finals. In a repeat of the group stage Watts was again victorious.
In the pick of the day’s finals, it was Watts against Eastes and with the tournaments no.1 referee John Waller. Eastes took the first 11/9 and was in a commanding 10/6 position in the second. Watts fought back to save all 4 match balls and then push on to take the tie break 14/12 and then the deciding game 11/8. A fantastic game of Racketball and a great end to another very successful London Racketball Open.
Next up in the Series we head to Exeter for the South West Racketball Open - https://www.uk-racketball.com/e10---south-west-of-england-racketball-open---10th-september.html
The B Grade was the biggest draw of the day with group stage victories earning players a place in the finals. Stuart Tyler claimed group A, he was beaten in the first of the semi finals by Donavan Eastes the victor of group B. Jodey Watts was undefeated in group C but with the way that the lucky loser draw coin toss fell ended up against Group C runner up Nick Moore in the semi-finals. In a repeat of the group stage Watts was again victorious.
In the pick of the day’s finals, it was Watts against Eastes and with the tournaments no.1 referee John Waller. Eastes took the first 11/9 and was in a commanding 10/6 position in the second. Watts fought back to save all 4 match balls and then push on to take the tie break 14/12 and then the deciding game 11/8. A fantastic game of Racketball and a great end to another very successful London Racketball Open.
Next up in the Series we head to Exeter for the South West Racketball Open - https://www.uk-racketball.com/e10---south-west-of-england-racketball-open---10th-september.html
London Racketball Open introduction
The London Racketball Open has been running since 2018 and is always one of the best events of the tour. Bexley Lawn Tennis Squash and Racketball Club has a unique place in the history of our sport with a thriving Racketball community dating back to the 1960’s. With 5 very well maintained courts and a great bar area to chill out in away from the action.
A History of Racketball at Bexley
Ian Wright, Club Secretary, introduced the game of Squash to the club in 1965 and acted as foreman to build the second court for under £3,000 in 1967. The court fee for 40 minutes was 10p per player. Some ten years later, Ian experimented with some short handled rackets and the core of a tennis ball as an alternative game for dual use of Squash Courts.
Ian wrote a set of rules and a constitution for an association for this new game of Racketball.
On 13th February 1984, in Stourbridge LTC, the British Racketball Association was founded, having adopted Ian’s Rules and Constitution and elected Ian as its first Honorary Secretary.
The Sports Council, on 30th October 1984, officially recognised the British Racketball Association as the Governing Body for the sport. Membership stood at 55 clubs with 239 individual members.
By 1988 the Individual Membership of the British Racketball Association stood at 650 members and a Sports Council survey found there to be 30,000 players in the UK.
In 1998, control of the game passed to England Squash, with Ian Wright, as Vice President of the Governing Body, becoming Chairman of the Racketball Committee.
The game has flourished in the Bexley Club with 72 players in the internal Racketball League and Club teams, arguably, the best in the South East of England.
Bexley Club Members have won Kent and England Championships
KENT CHAMPIONS:
Rob Lewis and Mark Steeden,
Nick Eagle (Over 35), Ray Jennings (Over 35), Paul Slater (Over 35),
John Prowse and Peter Lewis (Over 55), Ian Wright (Over 65), Nicky Slater (Over 35).
ENGLAND CHAMPIONS
Ian Wright (Over 50, Over 65 and Over 70), Peter Lewis (Over 55),
John Prowse (Over 60), Paul Slater (Over 35).
The club currently has internal squash and racketball leagues and runs 5 squash teams in the North Kent Priory League and a Racketball team in the South East Region Racketball League along with 2 junior teams in the Kent league. Bexley is home to UK-Racketball Series legend and winner of 16 Titles Ted Jeal.
A History of Racketball at Bexley
Ian Wright, Club Secretary, introduced the game of Squash to the club in 1965 and acted as foreman to build the second court for under £3,000 in 1967. The court fee for 40 minutes was 10p per player. Some ten years later, Ian experimented with some short handled rackets and the core of a tennis ball as an alternative game for dual use of Squash Courts.
Ian wrote a set of rules and a constitution for an association for this new game of Racketball.
On 13th February 1984, in Stourbridge LTC, the British Racketball Association was founded, having adopted Ian’s Rules and Constitution and elected Ian as its first Honorary Secretary.
The Sports Council, on 30th October 1984, officially recognised the British Racketball Association as the Governing Body for the sport. Membership stood at 55 clubs with 239 individual members.
By 1988 the Individual Membership of the British Racketball Association stood at 650 members and a Sports Council survey found there to be 30,000 players in the UK.
In 1998, control of the game passed to England Squash, with Ian Wright, as Vice President of the Governing Body, becoming Chairman of the Racketball Committee.
The game has flourished in the Bexley Club with 72 players in the internal Racketball League and Club teams, arguably, the best in the South East of England.
Bexley Club Members have won Kent and England Championships
KENT CHAMPIONS:
Rob Lewis and Mark Steeden,
Nick Eagle (Over 35), Ray Jennings (Over 35), Paul Slater (Over 35),
John Prowse and Peter Lewis (Over 55), Ian Wright (Over 65), Nicky Slater (Over 35).
ENGLAND CHAMPIONS
Ian Wright (Over 50, Over 65 and Over 70), Peter Lewis (Over 55),
John Prowse (Over 60), Paul Slater (Over 35).
The club currently has internal squash and racketball leagues and runs 5 squash teams in the North Kent Priory League and a Racketball team in the South East Region Racketball League along with 2 junior teams in the Kent league. Bexley is home to UK-Racketball Series legend and winner of 16 Titles Ted Jeal.
online entry through sportyhq
For 2022 UK-Racketball have partnered with SportyHQ to make online entries work even smoother
Follow this link to enter online - https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-8-London-Racketball-Open-6th-August-Bexley
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 - https://www.sportyhq.com/tournament/view/Event-8-London-Racketball-Open-6th-August-Bexley
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
main tournament details
What: Bexley Racketball Open
When: Saturday 6th August
Where: Bexley Lawn Tennis, Squash and Racketball Club
Postcode: DA5 1AX
Cost: £17.50 (£8.50 high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Entries Closing Date: Friday 29th July
More Information: Email [email protected] or if your enquiry is urgent call Mark on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 6th August
Where: Bexley Lawn Tennis, Squash and Racketball Club
Postcode: DA5 1AX
Cost: £17.50 (£8.50 high quality, quick dry, sublimated print tournament t-shirt)
Entries Closing Date: Friday 29th July
More Information: Email [email protected] or if your enquiry is urgent call Mark on 07846 067505
london bexley hall of fame
Grades
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players, which makes for a fun and competitive day. Players must be female.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40.
Over 50’s – For players over the age of 50.
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60.
Over 70's - For players over the age of 70.
DOUBLES – Players of all ages and abilities, find a partner and go for it. A reminder of the Racketball Doubles rules can be found here…
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
If entries to a category are not sufficient grades may be merged, however all participants will always be informed in advance and they will have a choice if they would still like to play.
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players, which makes for a fun and competitive day. Players must be female.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40.
Over 50’s – For players over the age of 50.
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60.
Over 70's - For players over the age of 70.
DOUBLES – Players of all ages and abilities, find a partner and go for it. A reminder of the Racketball Doubles rules can be found here…
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
If entries to a category are not sufficient grades may be merged, however all participants will always be informed in advance and they will have a choice if they would still like to play.
Club Facilities
Bexley Lawn Tennis Squash & Racketball Club has the reputation as one of the premier squash clubs in Kent and the South East Region. It has 5 squash courts with balcony viewing, 2 of these are glass backed championship courts with a seating area.
Many professionals use the club to train on a regular basis under the tutelage of Head Coach Ben Ford, which has resulted in the courts being very well maintained. The club also has a lovely bar area situated just away from the squash courts so as to provide easy access but with enough distance to give you an escape from the Racketball if needed!
Some very nice coffee shops are also located very close by to the club.
Many professionals use the club to train on a regular basis under the tutelage of Head Coach Ben Ford, which has resulted in the courts being very well maintained. The club also has a lovely bar area situated just away from the squash courts so as to provide easy access but with enough distance to give you an escape from the Racketball if needed!
Some very nice coffee shops are also located very close by to the club.
Club Location
Bexley Tennis, Squash and Racketball Club
Parkhurst Road
Bexley
DA5 1AX
Parkhurst Road
Bexley
DA5 1AX
what happened in 2019 . . . London Racketball Open Report and results
On Saturday the UK-Racketball Series was back in the birthplace of Racketball Bexley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club for a second year running. This year’s event did not disappoint with a sold out entry list and top players taking part across all of the grades.
In the A Grade no.1 seed Joe Blackmur the victor of The East of England event at the start of the year continued his good run of UK-Racketball form with 2-0 victories over Hannan Tabassum and Adam Beedie in the group stages. In Group B unseeded Callum Arnott from the Isle of Wright started the day well with two solid victories in the group including over local hero Keith Mabey.
Victories in the quarterfinals saw both Maybe and Beedie progress to the semi finals but they were unable to defeat the group winners who were waiting for them. The final proved to be a great match between two inform players. Blackmur took the first game on a tiebreak only to then lose the second comfortably. The third saw both players leading at different times but it was Blackmur who pulled away in the middle to set up a 10/7 lead and three championship balls. Arnotts response was impressive. Not only did he save the match balls but he then went through Blackmur in the tie break, 5 straight points just when it looked like the match was finished and the first title ever for the Isle of Man player!
In the A Grade no.1 seed Joe Blackmur the victor of The East of England event at the start of the year continued his good run of UK-Racketball form with 2-0 victories over Hannan Tabassum and Adam Beedie in the group stages. In Group B unseeded Callum Arnott from the Isle of Wright started the day well with two solid victories in the group including over local hero Keith Mabey.
Victories in the quarterfinals saw both Maybe and Beedie progress to the semi finals but they were unable to defeat the group winners who were waiting for them. The final proved to be a great match between two inform players. Blackmur took the first game on a tiebreak only to then lose the second comfortably. The third saw both players leading at different times but it was Blackmur who pulled away in the middle to set up a 10/7 lead and three championship balls. Arnotts response was impressive. Not only did he save the match balls but he then went through Blackmur in the tie break, 5 straight points just when it looked like the match was finished and the first title ever for the Isle of Man player!
It was a big draw in the B Grade with 14 players. The first of the semi finals saw the winner of Group A Nic Barnes defeating the winner of Group B Chris Peer 2-0. It was two Uxbride players who met in the second Semi Final of the day with Tom Ash the victor of Group C emerging triumphant against David Hurts of Group A. As is often the case in Group A the final was a battle between two runners. By the time of the final both players had won 8 games of Racketball and needed just two more to be crowned champions. In the end it was Barnes who had the legs taking the final 2-0.
Last year at Bexley was the first time that doubles had been run at a UK-Racketball Series event and since then it has built to encompass the whole Series. Two local Bexley pairs progressed through the groups as champions in the doubles. Mark Banfield and Rob Lewis took Grade A with Keith Mabey and Paul Wainwright claiming Group B. Both pairs maintained their good form in the Semi Finals with Banfield/Lewis defeating the Robinson/Cox (who incidentally made a great partnership) and Maybe/Wainwright beating the Tabassum’s 2-0. The final was a great display of Racketball doubles between two experienced pairs.
Last year at Bexley was the first time that doubles had been run at a UK-Racketball Series event and since then it has built to encompass the whole Series. Two local Bexley pairs progressed through the groups as champions in the doubles. Mark Banfield and Rob Lewis took Grade A with Keith Mabey and Paul Wainwright claiming Group B. Both pairs maintained their good form in the Semi Finals with Banfield/Lewis defeating the Robinson/Cox (who incidentally made a great partnership) and Maybe/Wainwright beating the Tabassum’s 2-0. The final was a great display of Racketball doubles between two experienced pairs.
The London Open’s Over 40’s draw was the biggest that category had seen so far this year with players needing to win 4 matches just to make it through the group stages. Michael Wardle came close in Group A defeating both Adam Beedie and Paul Bernard but he came unstuck against Hugo Feitor from Bromley losing 2-1. Feitor was in tern defeated by group winner Paul Woodruff 2-0 in what proved to be the group decider.
Group B’s top seed and inform Spencer Harris had a hard start to the day but rallied with victories over Steven Knight and Nic Barnes but these were too late to proceed through to the final. The group decider as a result was between Kingsood’s Dan Carvosso and Sundridge’s Justin Jardine. On the day it went the way of the Sundrige player who claimed a 2-0 victory. The final was the 5th match of the day for both players and ended with Woodruff victorious.
Due to the late injury and withdrawal of Sukhbinder Bains it was a straight final between Jo Robinson and Lorna West. Lorna West claimed the Over 45’s National Title in Birmingham but this was her first ever UK-Racketball Series event. In a lovely well-spirited game that saw the new comer come through victorious and claim her maiden title. It must be mentioned that this was Robinson’s third event of the day. She was competing in the Over 60’s and made the semi finals of the doubles with Russell Cox.
Group B’s top seed and inform Spencer Harris had a hard start to the day but rallied with victories over Steven Knight and Nic Barnes but these were too late to proceed through to the final. The group decider as a result was between Kingsood’s Dan Carvosso and Sundridge’s Justin Jardine. On the day it went the way of the Sundrige player who claimed a 2-0 victory. The final was the 5th match of the day for both players and ended with Woodruff victorious.
Due to the late injury and withdrawal of Sukhbinder Bains it was a straight final between Jo Robinson and Lorna West. Lorna West claimed the Over 45’s National Title in Birmingham but this was her first ever UK-Racketball Series event. In a lovely well-spirited game that saw the new comer come through victorious and claim her maiden title. It must be mentioned that this was Robinson’s third event of the day. She was competing in the Over 60’s and made the semi finals of the doubles with Russell Cox.
The Over 50’s was once again the biggest draw of the day with 20 players competing in 5 groups each of which had 4 players in. This meant that you almost certainly needed to win 3 matches in the groups to progress, in Groups D and E three victories would only take you as far as the quarters. A late withdrawal from the 2 seed Paul Dodds opened up Group E and saw Nicholas Harrington take the quarterfinals slot. Harrington was joined by Group D’s victor Michael Wardle who defeated local hero Mark Banfield 2-0 in the group decider and local grudge match. Wardle continued his run of good form defeating Harrington 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
The Over 50’s semi finals were as always brutal encounters. The match between Fred Cooke and Rob Hambrook was arguably one of the most competitive and hard fought encounters of the day. Cooke almost thought and talked his was to victory, as ever using all his tricks to break the rhythm and concentration of his opponent but Hambrook maintained his cool and concentration, booking his place in the final 2-1. In the opposite semi Wardle’s run of form ended at the hands of Buckner 2-0. By the time of the final the players had already played 9 matches over the course of the day. A good start was always going to be important and it was the England No.1 Hambrook who made it. Despite fighting hard throughout Buckner did not have enough to see him through. 2-0 to Hambrook and another title to add to the collection.
In a very strong Over 60’s competition both of the top seeds failed to make it through the groups with Gordon Lamb being defeated by Glenn McCelland in Group A and Terry Horne taking Group B away from Jo Robinson. The 60’s final was the longest match of the day. Horne just held on to take the first game 12/10 before an incredible 2nd. Horne had a match ball saved by McCelland to set up another tiebreak. The game then seesawed between game ball for McCelland and match ball for Horne right up until 17/17. With 34 points already played Horne finally pulled away to claim victory. What a final with the Over 60’s once again proving quite how dogged they are in a final!
The London Racketball Open was another busy day for the UK-Racketball Series. Over 120 matches took place over 11 hours of competitive play. A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped to make the day the success that it was. Next in the UK-Racketball Series we head to Leamington Spa for the West of England Racketball Open on the 7th of September, spaces are already filling up fast so enter now to avoid disappointment http://www.uk-racketball.com/e7---west-of-england-racketball-open---7th-september.html
The Over 50’s semi finals were as always brutal encounters. The match between Fred Cooke and Rob Hambrook was arguably one of the most competitive and hard fought encounters of the day. Cooke almost thought and talked his was to victory, as ever using all his tricks to break the rhythm and concentration of his opponent but Hambrook maintained his cool and concentration, booking his place in the final 2-1. In the opposite semi Wardle’s run of form ended at the hands of Buckner 2-0. By the time of the final the players had already played 9 matches over the course of the day. A good start was always going to be important and it was the England No.1 Hambrook who made it. Despite fighting hard throughout Buckner did not have enough to see him through. 2-0 to Hambrook and another title to add to the collection.
In a very strong Over 60’s competition both of the top seeds failed to make it through the groups with Gordon Lamb being defeated by Glenn McCelland in Group A and Terry Horne taking Group B away from Jo Robinson. The 60’s final was the longest match of the day. Horne just held on to take the first game 12/10 before an incredible 2nd. Horne had a match ball saved by McCelland to set up another tiebreak. The game then seesawed between game ball for McCelland and match ball for Horne right up until 17/17. With 34 points already played Horne finally pulled away to claim victory. What a final with the Over 60’s once again proving quite how dogged they are in a final!
The London Racketball Open was another busy day for the UK-Racketball Series. Over 120 matches took place over 11 hours of competitive play. A big thank you to everyone who took part and helped to make the day the success that it was. Next in the UK-Racketball Series we head to Leamington Spa for the West of England Racketball Open on the 7th of September, spaces are already filling up fast so enter now to avoid disappointment http://www.uk-racketball.com/e7---west-of-england-racketball-open---7th-september.html
The Kent and North London area is a growing hotspot for Racketball with many players supporting events all round the UK. The London Racketball Open gives these players a chance to fight it out for titles on home soil at Bexley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club. Expect a big entry for this one both locally and from the rest of the UK with Bexley having a very strong local Racketball following.
In 2018 Bexley was the first Series event to incorporate doubles. It was such a success that we have rolled the idea out to all of our venues for 2019. The first ever doubles final on the UK-Racketball Series was an all Bexley affair with both of the finalist pairs Ted Jeal/Billy Jones and Keith Mabey/Rob Lewis from the club. In the end the combination of Jeal and Jones won through victorious. In the final event of the 2018 season Jeal/Jones went on to claim the National Racketball Doubles crown and they are still unbeaten as a pairing in competitive competition.
Bexley Lawn Tennis Club has a spacious and welcoming bar area. Very well maintained facilities with two glass back show courts that are great for spectating. Racketball at Bexley has an amazing history and without it the game might not exist at all. Scroll to below the tournament information to read an article on Ian Wright who helped to shape Racketball in the UK.
In 2018 Bexley was the first Series event to incorporate doubles. It was such a success that we have rolled the idea out to all of our venues for 2019. The first ever doubles final on the UK-Racketball Series was an all Bexley affair with both of the finalist pairs Ted Jeal/Billy Jones and Keith Mabey/Rob Lewis from the club. In the end the combination of Jeal and Jones won through victorious. In the final event of the 2018 season Jeal/Jones went on to claim the National Racketball Doubles crown and they are still unbeaten as a pairing in competitive competition.
Bexley Lawn Tennis Club has a spacious and welcoming bar area. Very well maintained facilities with two glass back show courts that are great for spectating. Racketball at Bexley has an amazing history and without it the game might not exist at all. Scroll to below the tournament information to read an article on Ian Wright who helped to shape Racketball in the UK.
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