Event Report - Cox justifies his No.1 seeding to clinch his first County Racketball Title!
Sunday July 7th saw the County’s top Racketball players converge at Broadland Sports Club, Fleggburgh, Great Yarmouth for the County’s second County RacketballChampionships. Despite the entry numbers being slightly down on last year, the quality of play was of the highest order, and all players in attendance enjoyed a great day of Racketball.
Men’s Championship
The Men’s Championship was the main event of the day, where Matthew Bolt was looking to retain his title, and 2 other former County Squash Champions Ian Cox and David Youngs were amongst the competitors, emphasizing the high standard of players on show.
No. 1 seed Ian Cox kicked of proceedings in a blistering match with Ashley Briggs, and with the score at 1-1 an upset looked possible. The ever competitive Cox stepped up the pace taking the next game 11-1 for a 2-1 lead before edging home 11-9 in the fourth for a 3-1 win. With the scorer ending the match with the thought that any Racketball match involving Ian Cox should require the compulsory wearing of ear muffs for anyone watching. Second seed Dave Gouldby had a slightly more comfortable 11/8,11/6,11/5 win over Steve Moxey, whilst Matt Bolt enjoyed a slower paced, but very entertaining and skillful 12/10,11/4,11/9 win over David Youngs, and Rob Hambrook had a hard fought 3-1 win over Jack Pearce.
Semi-finals
The semi-finals, and indeed plate semifinals were all titanic. No.1 seed Ian Cox’s match against current Champion Matthew Bolt was the pick of the bunch, and the match did not disappoint. Ian’s blistering pace and athleticism were matched by Matt’s accuracy and sublime touch at times, to take the match into a fifth game. Despite giving it everything Matt was unable to cope with Ian’s ferocious hard hitting action and superior fitness level, which saw him go through 5/11,11/7,11/4,7/11,11/4 in a match worthy of any final.
The equally motivated David Gouldby was getting the upper hand against Rob Hambrook on the adjoining court, but not without a fight. Rob’s huge effort in the third brought the match back to 1-2, but David was able to close out the match in the fourth 11/9,11/4,9/11,11/2. The plate semi-finals were equally competitive and hard fought. David Youngs gained some consolation from a 9/11,5/11,11/9,12/10,11/5 comeback win over Ashley Briggs and Steve Moxey likewise with a 5/11,11/7,8/11,11/5,12/10 win over Jack Pearce.
Final
So to the final. Having broken a string in his semi-final against Matt, Ian Cox borrowed William Henden’s 160 Gram Harrow Connect Racket for the final, and proceeded to prove that you don’t need a heavy hammer to deliver a big blow. With the ball continuously leaving his racket as if being fired from a bazooka. Ian subjected David Gouldby to a continuous barrage of missiles to the rear corners of the court. Dave responded with a magnificent defensive effort with attacks at every opportunity. Ian was however not to be denied, and ran out a deserved 11/8,11/9,11/4 winner.
Plate
Matt Bolt finished third with a close win over Rob Hambrook and Steve Moxey demonstrated his impressive fitness level with a 3-0 plate win over David Youngs. Ashley Briggs gave another strong performance in overcoming Jack Pearce 3-0 to finish seventh.
Over 45
In the men’s 45 & over event John Cordeaux overcame spirited resistance from Mark Woolner to record a 11/5,11/1,11/6 win to add another County title to his collection, and uniquely make him both the County 45 & over Squash and Racketball Champion. Philip Dowe beat Trevor Barrett 5/11,11/8,11/6,11/9 in a closely fought Plate final.
Over 60
Martin Pearse who’s list of County Champion wins is longer than everyone’s, added another with the 60 & over Title. His match against Dave Hare almost got away from him in the third, with Dave getting stronger as the match progressed. Martin however, clinched he decisive points for a 11/4,11/7,13/11 win.
Under 23
Brothers William and Samuel Henden contested the Under 23 final, with the result being in doubt until the end. Yet another match went to the deciding game with William just scraping home 11/9,12/14,9/11,11/9,11/8 when Samuels last shot unfortunately just flicked the top of the tin.
Ladies
Despite several ladies playing Racketball around the County, only a few turned out for the County Championships. In the Ladies Novice event Vicky Hill had a competitive 11/4,11/6.11/8 win against the improving Fran Dowe, who went on to win the Ladies 40 & over Title with an entertaining and very sporting 11/8,11/5,10/12,8/11,12/10 win over Maria Rainbird. Well done Ladies. With Nicky Green being the only entrant in the Ladies Championship and Lydia Gotts-Woolner the only entry into the Under 23 event, no matches were possible in the events, and left the organizers hoping that more players would give Racketball a try and hopefully enter next year. With the first season of the Norfolk Racketball Leagues now fully underway, and the Closed Championships now established, more Clubs and players will have the opportunity to enjoy this social and enjoyable sport.
A big thanks must go to Tony Henden, Rob Hambrook and Broadland for organising the whole event, it was great for all involved and the hospitality was much appreciated!
2013 List of Champions
Men’s
Winner Ian Cox
Runner-up David Gouldby
Men’s Plate
Winner Steve Moxey
Runner Up David Youngs
Mens’ Under 23
Winner William Henden
Runner up Samuel Henden
Men’s 45 & over
Winner John Cordeaux
Runner up Mark Woolner
Men’s 45 & over Plate
Winner Philip Dowe
Runner up Trevor Barrett
Men’s 60 & over
Winner Martin Pearce
Runner up Mark Woolner
Men’s Novice
Winner Philip Dows
Runner up Trevor Barrett
Ladies
Ladies 40 & over
Winner Vicky Hill
Runner up Fran Dowe
Ladies Novice
Winner Fran Dowe
Runner-up Maria Rainbird
Ladies
Winner Nicky Green (Default)
Under 23
Winner Lydia Gotts-Woolner (Default)
Match report provided by Norfolk Squash and Racketball.
Sunday July 7th saw the County’s top Racketball players converge at Broadland Sports Club, Fleggburgh, Great Yarmouth for the County’s second County RacketballChampionships. Despite the entry numbers being slightly down on last year, the quality of play was of the highest order, and all players in attendance enjoyed a great day of Racketball.
Men’s Championship
The Men’s Championship was the main event of the day, where Matthew Bolt was looking to retain his title, and 2 other former County Squash Champions Ian Cox and David Youngs were amongst the competitors, emphasizing the high standard of players on show.
No. 1 seed Ian Cox kicked of proceedings in a blistering match with Ashley Briggs, and with the score at 1-1 an upset looked possible. The ever competitive Cox stepped up the pace taking the next game 11-1 for a 2-1 lead before edging home 11-9 in the fourth for a 3-1 win. With the scorer ending the match with the thought that any Racketball match involving Ian Cox should require the compulsory wearing of ear muffs for anyone watching. Second seed Dave Gouldby had a slightly more comfortable 11/8,11/6,11/5 win over Steve Moxey, whilst Matt Bolt enjoyed a slower paced, but very entertaining and skillful 12/10,11/4,11/9 win over David Youngs, and Rob Hambrook had a hard fought 3-1 win over Jack Pearce.
Semi-finals
The semi-finals, and indeed plate semifinals were all titanic. No.1 seed Ian Cox’s match against current Champion Matthew Bolt was the pick of the bunch, and the match did not disappoint. Ian’s blistering pace and athleticism were matched by Matt’s accuracy and sublime touch at times, to take the match into a fifth game. Despite giving it everything Matt was unable to cope with Ian’s ferocious hard hitting action and superior fitness level, which saw him go through 5/11,11/7,11/4,7/11,11/4 in a match worthy of any final.
The equally motivated David Gouldby was getting the upper hand against Rob Hambrook on the adjoining court, but not without a fight. Rob’s huge effort in the third brought the match back to 1-2, but David was able to close out the match in the fourth 11/9,11/4,9/11,11/2. The plate semi-finals were equally competitive and hard fought. David Youngs gained some consolation from a 9/11,5/11,11/9,12/10,11/5 comeback win over Ashley Briggs and Steve Moxey likewise with a 5/11,11/7,8/11,11/5,12/10 win over Jack Pearce.
Final
So to the final. Having broken a string in his semi-final against Matt, Ian Cox borrowed William Henden’s 160 Gram Harrow Connect Racket for the final, and proceeded to prove that you don’t need a heavy hammer to deliver a big blow. With the ball continuously leaving his racket as if being fired from a bazooka. Ian subjected David Gouldby to a continuous barrage of missiles to the rear corners of the court. Dave responded with a magnificent defensive effort with attacks at every opportunity. Ian was however not to be denied, and ran out a deserved 11/8,11/9,11/4 winner.
Plate
Matt Bolt finished third with a close win over Rob Hambrook and Steve Moxey demonstrated his impressive fitness level with a 3-0 plate win over David Youngs. Ashley Briggs gave another strong performance in overcoming Jack Pearce 3-0 to finish seventh.
Over 45
In the men’s 45 & over event John Cordeaux overcame spirited resistance from Mark Woolner to record a 11/5,11/1,11/6 win to add another County title to his collection, and uniquely make him both the County 45 & over Squash and Racketball Champion. Philip Dowe beat Trevor Barrett 5/11,11/8,11/6,11/9 in a closely fought Plate final.
Over 60
Martin Pearse who’s list of County Champion wins is longer than everyone’s, added another with the 60 & over Title. His match against Dave Hare almost got away from him in the third, with Dave getting stronger as the match progressed. Martin however, clinched he decisive points for a 11/4,11/7,13/11 win.
Under 23
Brothers William and Samuel Henden contested the Under 23 final, with the result being in doubt until the end. Yet another match went to the deciding game with William just scraping home 11/9,12/14,9/11,11/9,11/8 when Samuels last shot unfortunately just flicked the top of the tin.
Ladies
Despite several ladies playing Racketball around the County, only a few turned out for the County Championships. In the Ladies Novice event Vicky Hill had a competitive 11/4,11/6.11/8 win against the improving Fran Dowe, who went on to win the Ladies 40 & over Title with an entertaining and very sporting 11/8,11/5,10/12,8/11,12/10 win over Maria Rainbird. Well done Ladies. With Nicky Green being the only entrant in the Ladies Championship and Lydia Gotts-Woolner the only entry into the Under 23 event, no matches were possible in the events, and left the organizers hoping that more players would give Racketball a try and hopefully enter next year. With the first season of the Norfolk Racketball Leagues now fully underway, and the Closed Championships now established, more Clubs and players will have the opportunity to enjoy this social and enjoyable sport.
A big thanks must go to Tony Henden, Rob Hambrook and Broadland for organising the whole event, it was great for all involved and the hospitality was much appreciated!
2013 List of Champions
Men’s
Winner Ian Cox
Runner-up David Gouldby
Men’s Plate
Winner Steve Moxey
Runner Up David Youngs
Mens’ Under 23
Winner William Henden
Runner up Samuel Henden
Men’s 45 & over
Winner John Cordeaux
Runner up Mark Woolner
Men’s 45 & over Plate
Winner Philip Dowe
Runner up Trevor Barrett
Men’s 60 & over
Winner Martin Pearce
Runner up Mark Woolner
Men’s Novice
Winner Philip Dows
Runner up Trevor Barrett
Ladies
Ladies 40 & over
Winner Vicky Hill
Runner up Fran Dowe
Ladies Novice
Winner Fran Dowe
Runner-up Maria Rainbird
Ladies
Winner Nicky Green (Default)
Under 23
Winner Lydia Gotts-Woolner (Default)
Match report provided by Norfolk Squash and Racketball.
