Reports
On Saturday the Head UK-Racketball Tour travelled to one of the countries best racketball centers for the 4th event of this year’s tour.
The feedback from the competitors was very positive with many relishing in the opportunity to play in one of the countries most famous clubs and home to Commonwealth Games star Nick Matthew.
PHOTOS: As always all our photos can be viewed or downloaded from our facebook page, follow this link to see all the photos from the day's play!
B Grade
The biggest grade on the day was once again the B grade and with a good mix of Series regulars and new comers from the host and surrounding clubs.
Group A was won by Alan Voyce who defeated Thomas Swinden 2-1 in the group decider. Group B was similarly well contested with local boy Luke Haslam narrowly overcoming Wayne Scott before being beaten to a place in the semi finals by Mark Burnley. Tom Hudson booked his place in the semi finals without dropping a game in group C. With one semi final place left to book it was Kasey Hall who made it past the biggest group of the B grade without dropping a game, Hallamshire legend Tom Murton finishing in second place with 6 points.
Both semi finals were tight affairs with Mark Burnley defeating Alan Voyce 2-1 and Kasey Hall overcoming Tom Hudson by the same score line. In his sixth match of the day and his second three setter of the knockout stages it was Kasey Hall who once again came through to claim a UK-Racketball Series title, again winning on the deciding set.
Over 40’s
The over 40’s was all decided in one big group resulting in four tough matches for all involved. All competitors came away with points, Brenden Bennett taking both Andy Wood and Wayne Scott to deciders and finishing on two points. John Birch-Hurst finished on four points with Wayne Scott coming in a close behind on three.
The grade was decided by a match between Series veteran Andy Wood and local legend Jason Fearn. Wood is currently ranked at 8 in the country and has plenty of titles to his name but anyone who knows Fearn knows that he is not someone who will go down without a fight and has amassed plenty of experience winning titles at Hallamshire. In the end Fearn’s fitness and error free racketball saw him through 2-0 in what proved to be the decisive fixture of the group.
The over 40’s was all decided in one big group resulting in four tough matches for all involved. All competitors came away with points, Brenden Bennett taking both Andy Wood and Wayne Scott to deciders and finishing on two points. John Birch-Hurst finished on four points with Wayne Scott coming in a close behind on three.
The grade was decided by a match between Series veteran Andy Wood and local legend Jason Fearn. Wood is currently ranked at 8 in the country and has plenty of titles to his name but anyone who knows Fearn knows that he is not someone who will go down without a fight and has amassed plenty of experience winning titles at Hallamshire. In the end Fearn’s fitness and error free racketball saw him through 2-0 in what proved to be the decisive fixture of the group.
Women’s
The women’s was made up of one big group played in a round robin format. Claire Hambleton came through victorious against both Helena Lawrence and Christine Baldwin but in both matches she was taken to a decider. Lawrence and Baldwin in tern had a close encounter for third place in the group, with Lawrence eventually winning 2-1. In the deciding fixture of the group it was ever improving Nina Parker who claimed victory and the title beating Claire Hambleton 2-0.
A Grade
The A grade was as expected a very high standard. Neil Baldwin failed to achieve much success against any of his higher ranked opponents but fought hard all day. Nick Bond finished in third place failing to make it past local star Dan Lawrence in a tough 2-0. In the end though the grade was only going to have one winner with newly ranked England Number 4 Ollie Turner dropping just one game in the day to Nick Bond. Another UK-Racketball Series title to add to his growing collection.
It was another great day’s racketball at Hallamshire. Next up for the Head UK-Racketball Series is a return to Nottingham for the 6th year running on the last Saturday in August.
The women’s was made up of one big group played in a round robin format. Claire Hambleton came through victorious against both Helena Lawrence and Christine Baldwin but in both matches she was taken to a decider. Lawrence and Baldwin in tern had a close encounter for third place in the group, with Lawrence eventually winning 2-1. In the deciding fixture of the group it was ever improving Nina Parker who claimed victory and the title beating Claire Hambleton 2-0.
A Grade
The A grade was as expected a very high standard. Neil Baldwin failed to achieve much success against any of his higher ranked opponents but fought hard all day. Nick Bond finished in third place failing to make it past local star Dan Lawrence in a tough 2-0. In the end though the grade was only going to have one winner with newly ranked England Number 4 Ollie Turner dropping just one game in the day to Nick Bond. Another UK-Racketball Series title to add to his growing collection.
It was another great day’s racketball at Hallamshire. Next up for the Head UK-Racketball Series is a return to Nottingham for the 6th year running on the last Saturday in August.
Over 50’s
In the over 50’s all eventual group winners made it through the group stages without dropping a game. Michael Wardle saw off both Richard Harvey and Peter Legg 2-0 in group A . Group B was an interesting battle for second place with Paul Halstead over coming both Mike Fleming and Charlie Graddon. Group C saw a three way tie for second place with Lee Sadler defeating Gary Culverwell only to be in turn beaten by Simon Studholme who ended up being beaten by Culverwell with all matches amazingly finishing 2-0.
In the finals group Stuart Ferguson had a close battle with Malc Bramley eventually closing the match out 2-1 but in the end it didn’t matter with neither player able to overcome Michael Wardle who finished the day Over 50’s winner without dropping a single game.
Over 60’s
With the exception of Stuart Perkins group A was a battle between the Series regulars. Michael Keogh defeated Stephen Uttley 2-1 but both were unable to overcome Perkins. The group’s eventual winner was Graham Greensall who once again progressed through to the knockout stage but he was pushed all the way by Perkins eventually coming through in a tight 2-1. Group B also saw the top seed Richard Waller progress through but he was once again pushed to a decider this time by Jez Horrocks.
The final of the over 60’s once again featured Graham Greensall but in what is becoming a pattern he was overcome at the final hurdle this time by Waller.
In the over 50’s all eventual group winners made it through the group stages without dropping a game. Michael Wardle saw off both Richard Harvey and Peter Legg 2-0 in group A . Group B was an interesting battle for second place with Paul Halstead over coming both Mike Fleming and Charlie Graddon. Group C saw a three way tie for second place with Lee Sadler defeating Gary Culverwell only to be in turn beaten by Simon Studholme who ended up being beaten by Culverwell with all matches amazingly finishing 2-0.
In the finals group Stuart Ferguson had a close battle with Malc Bramley eventually closing the match out 2-1 but in the end it didn’t matter with neither player able to overcome Michael Wardle who finished the day Over 50’s winner without dropping a single game.
Over 60’s
With the exception of Stuart Perkins group A was a battle between the Series regulars. Michael Keogh defeated Stephen Uttley 2-1 but both were unable to overcome Perkins. The group’s eventual winner was Graham Greensall who once again progressed through to the knockout stage but he was pushed all the way by Perkins eventually coming through in a tight 2-1. Group B also saw the top seed Richard Waller progress through but he was once again pushed to a decider this time by Jez Horrocks.
The final of the over 60’s once again featured Graham Greensall but in what is becoming a pattern he was overcome at the final hurdle this time by Waller.
Winners in Hallamshire
A Grade
Winner – Ollie Turner
Runner up – Dan Lawrence
Women’s
Winner – Nina Parker
Runner up – Claire Hambleton
Over 40’s
Winner – Jason Fearn
Runner up – Andy Wood
Over 50’s
Winner – Michael Wardle
Runner up – Malc Bramley
Over 60’s
Winner – Richard Waller
Runner up – Graham Greensall
B Grade
Winner – Kasey Hall
Runner up – Mark Burnley
A Grade
Winner – Ollie Turner
Runner up – Dan Lawrence
Women’s
Winner – Nina Parker
Runner up – Claire Hambleton
Over 40’s
Winner – Jason Fearn
Runner up – Andy Wood
Over 50’s
Winner – Michael Wardle
Runner up – Malc Bramley
Over 60’s
Winner – Richard Waller
Runner up – Graham Greensall
B Grade
Winner – Kasey Hall
Runner up – Mark Burnley
Results
| hallamshire_racketball_open_2015_results_a.pdf |
| hallamshire_racketball_open_2015_results_b.pdf |
| hallamshire_racketball_open_2015_results_womens.pdf |
| hallamshire_racketball_open_2015_results_over_40s.pdf |
| hallamshire_racketball_open_2015_results_over_50s.pdf |
| hallamshire_racketball_open_2015_results_over_60s.pdf |
Draws and Schedule
Make sure that you click on the relevant links below.
| hallamshire_racketball_open_draws_21_schedule.pdf |
| hallamshire_racketball_open_draws_21_a.pdf |
| hallamshire_racketball_open_draws_21_b.pdf |
| hallamshire_racketball_open_draws_21_womens.pdf |
| hallamshire_racketball_open_draws_21_over_40s.pdf |
| hallamshire_racketball_open_draws_21_over_50s.pdf |
| hallamshire_racketball_open_draws_21_over_60s.pdf |
Entry List Released
The Hallamshire Racketball Open is set to be another good UK-RB Series event with over 50 players signed up.
Check out the entry list below to see who is playing.
Follow this link to see when the draws and schedules are due to be released!
Check out the entry list below to see who is playing.
Follow this link to see when the draws and schedules are due to be released!
| hallamshire_racketball_open_entry_list_sheet1.pdf |
Introduction
Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club is an obvious choice as a venue for a UK-Racketball Series Event.
The Racketball section is one of the strongest if not the strongest in the country with plenty of group sessions running each week. The club runs a very successful racketball junior section on a Saturday morning, midweek women’s sessions and a very successful summer league.
Hallamshire is home to squash legend Nick Matthew and players taking part in this years racketball open will have the opportunity to play on the Nick Matthew Championship Court.
The club has hosted the National Junior Championships since it was founded 4 years ago and will do so again this year. The number of home grown winners is testimony to the strength of the clubs junior section.
As this is the first event that we have ever run at Hallamshire expect a big local entry. If you are interested in this event then we recommend that you enter early to avoid disappointment.
The Racketball section is one of the strongest if not the strongest in the country with plenty of group sessions running each week. The club runs a very successful racketball junior section on a Saturday morning, midweek women’s sessions and a very successful summer league.
Hallamshire is home to squash legend Nick Matthew and players taking part in this years racketball open will have the opportunity to play on the Nick Matthew Championship Court.
The club has hosted the National Junior Championships since it was founded 4 years ago and will do so again this year. The number of home grown winners is testimony to the strength of the clubs junior section.
As this is the first event that we have ever run at Hallamshire expect a big local entry. If you are interested in this event then we recommend that you enter early to avoid disappointment.
Main Tournament Details
What: Hallamshire Racketball Open
When: Saturday 25th July
Where: Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: S11 8TA
Cost: £15.00 (includes a free tournament t-shirt)
Online Entry: Follow this link
More Information: Email Mark Fuller [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505
When: Saturday 25th July
Where: Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
Postcode: S11 8TA
Cost: £15.00 (includes a free tournament t-shirt)
Online Entry: Follow this link
More Information: Email Mark Fuller [email protected] or call Mark on 07846 067505
Grades
It is important to remember that UK-Racketball Series events are designed to be inclusive. Although the A grade does attract the best racketball players in the country the events really are for players of all ages and abilities. We have never had a competitor who felt they were not good enough for an event when they took part.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players which makes for a fun and competitive day.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60
Beginner – This is for players who have recently started racketball. Players who have previously played squash to a high level and have now started playing racketball may be better off in the A or B grade. To maintain a fun atmosphere for this grade, only trophies will be awarded to the winners however there will also be a reduced entry fee of just £10.
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
If entries to a category are not sufficient grades may be merged, however all participants will always be informed in advance and they will have a choice if they would still like to play, this has never happened in the last three years.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Women’s – All ages and abilities, these events have a great range of players which makes for a fun and competitive day.
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
Over 60’s – For players over the age of 60
Beginner – This is for players who have recently started racketball. Players who have previously played squash to a high level and have now started playing racketball may be better off in the A or B grade. To maintain a fun atmosphere for this grade, only trophies will be awarded to the winners however there will also be a reduced entry fee of just £10.
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact Mark Fuller directly on 07846067505 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to advise you.
If entries to a category are not sufficient grades may be merged, however all participants will always be informed in advance and they will have a choice if they would still like to play, this has never happened in the last three years.
Club Facilities
Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club has first class facilities. 9 squash courts. 8 outdoor tennis courts and 4 indoor courts. A modern gym and lovely bar area.
The bar will be open throughout the day with hot food available for most of the day.
The bar will be open throughout the day with hot food available for most of the day.
Club Location
Located in South Yorkshire with good motorway links to the South.
Yorkshire is a racketball hotbed so expect a good entry from the other centers that are close.
Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
716 Ecclesall Road
Sheffield
S11 8TA
Tel: 0114 266 2153
Enter Online Here
Yorkshire is a racketball hotbed so expect a good entry from the other centers that are close.
Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club
716 Ecclesall Road
Sheffield
S11 8TA
Tel: 0114 266 2153
Enter Online Here
