GREAT CROWD AT STOURBRIDGE SLUGFEST
A fantastic crowd of over 120 spectators gathered at Stourbridge LTSC to watch a highly anticipated exhibition match between UK Number 1 Mike Harris and Warwickshire No 1 and British Open Semi Finalist Guy Pearson. It was a great set up for a Racketball throw down, with the event organiser John Bartlett very well versed in hosting exhibitions, having done many high level Squash ones in the past featuring some of the world's best! So it was a lot to live up to for the two racketball players, and with club coach Darren Bradbury on the DJ duties keeping the crowd entertained it was a great atmosphere to be involved in.
The action didn't disappoint, with the very first rally between the two involving high tempo play, crosscourt nick attempts and even a between the legs shot from the back! Both players looking to really stretch the court and hit into all 4 courners as aggressively and consistently as possible.
In the end, it was Harris who had to do the large bulk of the running, with Pearson's quality ball skill and court nous twisting and turning the current British Champion through all regions of the court. Members of the crowd commenting that the quality of the hitting and the retrievals didn't really differ from the high level Squash that they had witnessed in the past! Pearson taking the match after 50 mins of really entertaining, dynamic Racketball.
It was a great evening and showcase for the sport. A huge thank you to John and his team at Stourbridge for putting it on, the fact that so many turned up to watch it and enjoyed it so much is a testament to how popular the sport is at the club. With over 400 Squash/Racketball members at the venue it was great to see so much Racketball being played there in the evening, with everything from Singles, Doubles and Ladies Doubles in action at all levels of the game. Stourbridge certainly proving how inclusive and accessible the sport can be!
You can check out what Stourbridge club has to offer HERE
The action didn't disappoint, with the very first rally between the two involving high tempo play, crosscourt nick attempts and even a between the legs shot from the back! Both players looking to really stretch the court and hit into all 4 courners as aggressively and consistently as possible.
In the end, it was Harris who had to do the large bulk of the running, with Pearson's quality ball skill and court nous twisting and turning the current British Champion through all regions of the court. Members of the crowd commenting that the quality of the hitting and the retrievals didn't really differ from the high level Squash that they had witnessed in the past! Pearson taking the match after 50 mins of really entertaining, dynamic Racketball.
It was a great evening and showcase for the sport. A huge thank you to John and his team at Stourbridge for putting it on, the fact that so many turned up to watch it and enjoyed it so much is a testament to how popular the sport is at the club. With over 400 Squash/Racketball members at the venue it was great to see so much Racketball being played there in the evening, with everything from Singles, Doubles and Ladies Doubles in action at all levels of the game. Stourbridge certainly proving how inclusive and accessible the sport can be!
You can check out what Stourbridge club has to offer HERE
