The Harrow 2012 UK Racketball Series
Results
Event Report
Mark Fuller reports...
Women's
Group A
Sinead Devaney won her first match in a UK-Racketball Series event over coming Jack Owen 2-0 but the group was decided between local player Clair Williams and Series veteran Jo Moseley, with Moseley coming through to take the match 2-0.
Group B
Fantastic match between Elaine Gilchrist and Debbie Hill with Hill taking the first on tie break only to see Gilchrist come back strong in the second to set up a decider that Hill managed to come through 11/7.
Elaine Gilchrist had a tough match with local Debbie Hill. Both players showed some excellent touches and used the whole court to good effect. Debbie took the first game after some long rallies, but Elaine came back well in the second and deservedly finished it off in some style to level the match. Elaine started strongly in the decider, but Debbie demonstrated patience and gradually took control through a great variation in length. Debbie won in an entertaining match, a credit to both players.
The group was decided by Kathryn Milne who stayed strong throughout the group defeating both Gilchrist and Hill 2-0.
Women's
Group A
Sinead Devaney won her first match in a UK-Racketball Series event over coming Jack Owen 2-0 but the group was decided between local player Clair Williams and Series veteran Jo Moseley, with Moseley coming through to take the match 2-0.
Group B
Fantastic match between Elaine Gilchrist and Debbie Hill with Hill taking the first on tie break only to see Gilchrist come back strong in the second to set up a decider that Hill managed to come through 11/7.
Elaine Gilchrist had a tough match with local Debbie Hill. Both players showed some excellent touches and used the whole court to good effect. Debbie took the first game after some long rallies, but Elaine came back well in the second and deservedly finished it off in some style to level the match. Elaine started strongly in the decider, but Debbie demonstrated patience and gradually took control through a great variation in length. Debbie won in an entertaining match, a credit to both players.
The group was decided by Kathryn Milne who stayed strong throughout the group defeating both Gilchrist and Hill 2-0.
Final
It was always going to be hard fought, both players are very competitive, used to winning and both on form. Milne was runner up in Chichester and Mosley runner up in Abbeydale the last two Series events so this was always going to be tough. Despite retrieving like Mosley always does, Milne proved too strong, moving the ball around well and forcing Mosley into the corners, 2-0 to and title to Milne.
Mosley has had a fantastic Series and with 1175 points already accumulated before Wycombe meant that whatever happened on the day she would crowned Champion. A fantastic effort, she finished on the most points every earned by a woman across a whole season!
It was always going to be hard fought, both players are very competitive, used to winning and both on form. Milne was runner up in Chichester and Mosley runner up in Abbeydale the last two Series events so this was always going to be tough. Despite retrieving like Mosley always does, Milne proved too strong, moving the ball around well and forcing Mosley into the corners, 2-0 to and title to Milne.
Mosley has had a fantastic Series and with 1175 points already accumulated before Wycombe meant that whatever happened on the day she would crowned Champion. A fantastic effort, she finished on the most points every earned by a woman across a whole season!
Over 50's
Group A
Top seed Patrick Osborn made it through without dropping a set.
Group B
It was Mike English who has been getting used to competing right to the end of UK-Racketball Series Events who drew the short straw of Buzby Williams in the group. Buzby has only just moved into the Over 50’s so is yet to record a ranking but everyone who has seen him play knows he can be a real handful. Buzby claimed the group without dropping a game despite English giving everything he had, with Stephen Uttley and local player Gary Wyatt also battling hard.
Group A
Top seed Patrick Osborn made it through without dropping a set.
Group B
It was Mike English who has been getting used to competing right to the end of UK-Racketball Series Events who drew the short straw of Buzby Williams in the group. Buzby has only just moved into the Over 50’s so is yet to record a ranking but everyone who has seen him play knows he can be a real handful. Buzby claimed the group without dropping a game despite English giving everything he had, with Stephen Uttley and local player Gary Wyatt also battling hard.
Group C
Despite some lovely touches from Clarke demonstrating all his subtle racket skills in the end Slocombe managed to chase enough down to keep it close and managed to finish it off with some good attacks of his own towards the end. Gabriel Uttley
Ed Smith who was promoted to the 50’s after success at Abbeydale in September found himself in one of the toughest groups of the day and despite running hard failed to notch up any points against either Slocombe, Clarke or group winner James Murphy. In his other matches Murphy found himself down against both Slocombe and Clarke but both times managed to find a way back (as he so often does) to come through as victor, his dogged determination always seems to get him home in the end. If there is an over 60’s grade next year he will be a real handful.
Group D
Janak Malkani continued where he left off in Abbeydale defeating both Paul Backhouse and overcoming Gabriel Uttley 2-0 (which is never easy to do) to claim the groups top spot.
Despite some lovely touches from Clarke demonstrating all his subtle racket skills in the end Slocombe managed to chase enough down to keep it close and managed to finish it off with some good attacks of his own towards the end. Gabriel Uttley
Ed Smith who was promoted to the 50’s after success at Abbeydale in September found himself in one of the toughest groups of the day and despite running hard failed to notch up any points against either Slocombe, Clarke or group winner James Murphy. In his other matches Murphy found himself down against both Slocombe and Clarke but both times managed to find a way back (as he so often does) to come through as victor, his dogged determination always seems to get him home in the end. If there is an over 60’s grade next year he will be a real handful.
Group D
Janak Malkani continued where he left off in Abbeydale defeating both Paul Backhouse and overcoming Gabriel Uttley 2-0 (which is never easy to do) to claim the groups top spot.
Final
It was a battle. The last match of the day, they were both tired, both hurting and yet it still managed to go right down to a tie break in the decider before they could be separated. Buzby has loads of weapons, good movement, a straight kill, cross court lob and tight drop. Malkani less weapons but the ones he has are reliable, a very good two wall boast, a tight straight drive and a dogged determination to never give up. It was always going to be tight but at 1-0 and 10-5 to Malkani it looked like it was all over, he tensed up though and Buzby sensed the change in momentum, 6 straight points, 5 which were match balls and he had one of his own which he took first time to level at 1-1. At the start of the third amazingly Malkani got the momentum back. He hit long, got his boast into play and cut out the mistakes, 10-6 up this time and again with several match balls surely the match must have been all over this time, but again Buzby had other ideas. He again saved all the match balls to set up a tie break, Malkani fought hard though and earned another tie break match ball, then had to save one of Buzby’s but the momentum was always going one way and a trade mark straight kill finished the tie and earned Buzby another title.
It was a battle. The last match of the day, they were both tired, both hurting and yet it still managed to go right down to a tie break in the decider before they could be separated. Buzby has loads of weapons, good movement, a straight kill, cross court lob and tight drop. Malkani less weapons but the ones he has are reliable, a very good two wall boast, a tight straight drive and a dogged determination to never give up. It was always going to be tight but at 1-0 and 10-5 to Malkani it looked like it was all over, he tensed up though and Buzby sensed the change in momentum, 6 straight points, 5 which were match balls and he had one of his own which he took first time to level at 1-1. At the start of the third amazingly Malkani got the momentum back. He hit long, got his boast into play and cut out the mistakes, 10-6 up this time and again with several match balls surely the match must have been all over this time, but again Buzby had other ideas. He again saved all the match balls to set up a tie break, Malkani fought hard though and earned another tie break match ball, then had to save one of Buzby’s but the momentum was always going one way and a trade mark straight kill finished the tie and earned Buzby another title.
B Grade
The group winners were Alex Musselwhite, Ed Walker and Oliver Adams. It was only Musselwhite who dropped a game in the groups managing to scrape past both Nick Wynd and David Heron in close run matches. Local club junior Ed Walker looked more comfortable in group B but Alex Glencross and Jack Gilchrist brought him close. Oliver Adams held the third group under control with 2-0 victories against Peter Widdowson, Gregory Zabinski and Brendon Bennett.
It was a 3 way winners group to decide the B grade. Musselwhite ran hard but couldn’t contend with the control of either Walker or Adams to set up a final between the two victors. Neither had dropped a game all day so it was always going to be hard fought. Adams has some great shots and isn’t afraid to go for them which was great to see but Walker retrieves well and on home turf he looked determined to win. Not giving in for a second Walker managed to battle through and see off the challenge from Adams, the host club finally had a winner, 2-1 to Walker.
The group winners were Alex Musselwhite, Ed Walker and Oliver Adams. It was only Musselwhite who dropped a game in the groups managing to scrape past both Nick Wynd and David Heron in close run matches. Local club junior Ed Walker looked more comfortable in group B but Alex Glencross and Jack Gilchrist brought him close. Oliver Adams held the third group under control with 2-0 victories against Peter Widdowson, Gregory Zabinski and Brendon Bennett.
It was a 3 way winners group to decide the B grade. Musselwhite ran hard but couldn’t contend with the control of either Walker or Adams to set up a final between the two victors. Neither had dropped a game all day so it was always going to be hard fought. Adams has some great shots and isn’t afraid to go for them which was great to see but Walker retrieves well and on home turf he looked determined to win. Not giving in for a second Walker managed to battle through and see off the challenge from Adams, the host club finally had a winner, 2-1 to Walker.
A Grade
Group A
Ted Jeal was leading the Series rankings going into the day and right from the outset he looked determined not to let it slip. He quickly dispatched all 4 of his group opponents including 2 England top 20 players Proudfoot and Garrett along with the inform Elliot Selby all 2-0 to claim the top spot.
Group B
Rich Davies came through top of the group but he had to battle hard to overcome Paul Johnson who soaked up pressure and retrieved right to the bitter end. Despite a monster rally on match ball however it was Davies that came through but Johnson got a tremendous number of balls back.
Norton also took Davies close, he was hitting the ball well and Davies seemed to still be feeling the earlier battle with Johnson. In the end though Davies was to steady, lifting the ball well when he was in trouble and then making Norton pay when he got him on the end of rallies. In the end Norton ran out of steam and ideas and Davies took the 3rd comfortably to claim the match 2-1.
Tom Phipps was second in the Series (only 30 points behind Ted Jeal) so still in with a shout at retaining the Championship. In his first 2 matches he despatched Johnson and Norton 2-0 but couldn’t continue this form against Davies. He made a bad start in the first and never really recovered losing in quite a long but comfortable 2-0.
Group A
Ted Jeal was leading the Series rankings going into the day and right from the outset he looked determined not to let it slip. He quickly dispatched all 4 of his group opponents including 2 England top 20 players Proudfoot and Garrett along with the inform Elliot Selby all 2-0 to claim the top spot.
Group B
Rich Davies came through top of the group but he had to battle hard to overcome Paul Johnson who soaked up pressure and retrieved right to the bitter end. Despite a monster rally on match ball however it was Davies that came through but Johnson got a tremendous number of balls back.
Norton also took Davies close, he was hitting the ball well and Davies seemed to still be feeling the earlier battle with Johnson. In the end though Davies was to steady, lifting the ball well when he was in trouble and then making Norton pay when he got him on the end of rallies. In the end Norton ran out of steam and ideas and Davies took the 3rd comfortably to claim the match 2-1.
Tom Phipps was second in the Series (only 30 points behind Ted Jeal) so still in with a shout at retaining the Championship. In his first 2 matches he despatched Johnson and Norton 2-0 but couldn’t continue this form against Davies. He made a bad start in the first and never really recovered losing in quite a long but comfortable 2-0.
Final
It was always going to be a clash of styles with Jeal looking to take the ball early, hit hard and take the initiative and Davies always trying to hold on, keep the ball going and then wait for either a tin or a loose ball so he could play the straight drop. In the end Davies was too solid and it was heart break for Jeal who wanted to end the Series on a high with a title but with Phipps losing early he still had enough points to get his name on UK-Racketball Series Champion trophy!
Beginners
England Squash’s Marie Gook and Amanda Robinson both played well in their first UK-Racketball Series tournament with Robinson coming out on top in the very last Beginners group match of the day. It was great to see the ESR guys taking part and seeing what the Series is all about.
Serge Mbikina and Robert Boulter fought each other hard in the battle for second place but in the end it was Boulter who came out on top of the MK man and veteran of Abbeydale beating him 2-0.
The grade decider turned out to be between Boulter and Lee Divers. Both are young, fit and quick but in the end it was Divers who was the more consistent coming through the match 2-0.
It was always going to be a clash of styles with Jeal looking to take the ball early, hit hard and take the initiative and Davies always trying to hold on, keep the ball going and then wait for either a tin or a loose ball so he could play the straight drop. In the end Davies was too solid and it was heart break for Jeal who wanted to end the Series on a high with a title but with Phipps losing early he still had enough points to get his name on UK-Racketball Series Champion trophy!
Beginners
England Squash’s Marie Gook and Amanda Robinson both played well in their first UK-Racketball Series tournament with Robinson coming out on top in the very last Beginners group match of the day. It was great to see the ESR guys taking part and seeing what the Series is all about.
Serge Mbikina and Robert Boulter fought each other hard in the battle for second place but in the end it was Boulter who came out on top of the MK man and veteran of Abbeydale beating him 2-0.
The grade decider turned out to be between Boulter and Lee Divers. Both are young, fit and quick but in the end it was Divers who was the more consistent coming through the match 2-0.
Over 40’s
On the end court it felt like the Over 40’s were right out at the end of the club, doing battle on the coldest court with the least viewing might have been hard for some but Series Champion Jason Russell again opened his account well with straight game victories over Morse, Miles and Robinson. England no.11 Darren Beckett brought him close but Russell was to strong coming through 2-1.
The second group came down to a clash between James Powley and Marc Thornley. Both have played many events before and were looking determined to reach the final. Powley looked to take the initiative and Thornley tried to stem the tide with good retrieving and tight racketball but it looked like it was always going to be Powley’s day. A tight battle but to many winners from Powley’s racket for the result to go any other way.
It was another great over 40’s final between the 2 group winners Russell and Powley. Russell always digs in well so Powley knew he had to find some winners. It worked though with straight kills and nick boasts being brought in at every opportunity. Russell never gives in without a fight though and fought back hard in the 2nd but Powley was too accurate, a great final to round off one of the most competitive groups of the day.
On the end court it felt like the Over 40’s were right out at the end of the club, doing battle on the coldest court with the least viewing might have been hard for some but Series Champion Jason Russell again opened his account well with straight game victories over Morse, Miles and Robinson. England no.11 Darren Beckett brought him close but Russell was to strong coming through 2-1.
The second group came down to a clash between James Powley and Marc Thornley. Both have played many events before and were looking determined to reach the final. Powley looked to take the initiative and Thornley tried to stem the tide with good retrieving and tight racketball but it looked like it was always going to be Powley’s day. A tight battle but to many winners from Powley’s racket for the result to go any other way.
It was another great over 40’s final between the 2 group winners Russell and Powley. Russell always digs in well so Powley knew he had to find some winners. It worked though with straight kills and nick boasts being brought in at every opportunity. Russell never gives in without a fight though and fought back hard in the 2nd but Powley was too accurate, a great final to round off one of the most competitive groups of the day.
This is the last event of 2012 so now we have the 4 month wait till 2013.
A big thank you from Will, Chris, Mike and myself to everyone who has helped make the Series the success that it was this year. The entries that we are getting and the buzz at all of the events is just fantastic so thank you to everyone for playing the events and making them so enjoyable to run, bring on 2013...
Introduction
WSRC will be hosting its first UK Racketball event on 24th November.
With this being the final event of the year for UK Racketball, a large entry is anticipated ahead of the Christmas break.
The club itself is a five court venue with a comfortable lounge and bar which is run by the members for the members.
The club runs a complete coaching programme with several teams in the Bucks county league including their men’s first team, who are the premier league champions.
The event will be looking to attract not only a high standard, with several top class players living in the area, but also with a thriving Racketball section at the club the event will be sure to cater for all.
So do not delay, as this will be your last chance to play in a UK Racketball event in 2012.
WSRC will be hosting its first UK Racketball event on 24th November.
With this being the final event of the year for UK Racketball, a large entry is anticipated ahead of the Christmas break.
The club itself is a five court venue with a comfortable lounge and bar which is run by the members for the members.
The club runs a complete coaching programme with several teams in the Bucks county league including their men’s first team, who are the premier league champions.
The event will be looking to attract not only a high standard, with several top class players living in the area, but also with a thriving Racketball section at the club the event will be sure to cater for all.
So do not delay, as this will be your last chance to play in a UK Racketball event in 2012.
Location and Dates
Venue: Wycombe Squash and Racketball Club, Wycombe
Wycombe Air Park
Clay Lane
Booker
Marlow
Buckinghamshire
SL7 3DJ
Tel: 01494 520034
Date: Sat 24th November
Closing date for entries: Fri 16th November
Venue: Wycombe Squash and Racketball Club, Wycombe
Wycombe Air Park
Clay Lane
Booker
Marlow
Buckinghamshire
SL7 3DJ
Tel: 01494 520034
Date: Sat 24th November
Closing date for entries: Fri 16th November
Tournament Information
Fees
Entry to the whole Harrow UK-Racketball Series is just £50 providing you with some of the best value tournaments in the country at just £6.25 per tournament!!!!
Entry fees are as follows:
Entry to one event = £15
Beginners entry = £10
Or you can enter the whole series:
Entry to the whole series = £50
Fees
Entry to the whole Harrow UK-Racketball Series is just £50 providing you with some of the best value tournaments in the country at just £6.25 per tournament!!!!
Entry fees are as follows:
Entry to one event = £15
Beginners entry = £10
Or you can enter the whole series:
Entry to the whole series = £50
Grades
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
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.
Women’s – We would really like to keep expanding this category for 2012 with the aim of getting enough numbers to be able to split it into two grades. The grade is for any standard or age of player.
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact us at info@uk-racketball.com 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.
A Grade – County, national or good club player
B Grade – Regular club player
Over 40’s – For players over the age of 40
Over 50’s - For players over the age of 50
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.
Women’s – We would really like to keep expanding this category for 2012 with the aim of getting enough numbers to be able to split it into two grades. The grade is for any standard or age of player.
If you are unsure which category to enter please feel free to contact us at info@uk-racketball.com 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.
Other Information
The tournament will be run over 1 day.
All draws and start times will be published on this page the week of the event.
All entries will receive a Harrow 2012 UK-Racketball Series t-shirt.
We ensure every competitor will have at least 3 matches. The format will be either group stages through to knockout, monrad or straight knockout, depending on numbers of entries. We will always ensure that every competitor has at least three, best of three, matches. Scoring will be American to 11 and best of 3 games. The tournament is sanctioned by England Squash and Racketball and has a grade 1.5 status.
Top of the range prizes from the Harrow racketball range – The UK-Racketball Series will have the same main title sponsor as last year, Harrow who will again be supplying top rackets from their range of quality rackets, check out the UK-Racketball Racket Shop for reviews on what you could win!
Gain top ranking points for the UK National Racketball Rankinga. Earn points towards your UK-Racketball Series Rankings (see how they work here).
All balls used will be as specified by England Squash and Racketball, unless stated otherwise.
The tournament will be run over 1 day.
All draws and start times will be published on this page the week of the event.
All entries will receive a Harrow 2012 UK-Racketball Series t-shirt.
We ensure every competitor will have at least 3 matches. The format will be either group stages through to knockout, monrad or straight knockout, depending on numbers of entries. We will always ensure that every competitor has at least three, best of three, matches. Scoring will be American to 11 and best of 3 games. The tournament is sanctioned by England Squash and Racketball and has a grade 1.5 status.
Top of the range prizes from the Harrow racketball range – The UK-Racketball Series will have the same main title sponsor as last year, Harrow who will again be supplying top rackets from their range of quality rackets, check out the UK-Racketball Racket Shop for reviews on what you could win!
Gain top ranking points for the UK National Racketball Rankinga. Earn points towards your UK-Racketball Series Rankings (see how they work here).
All balls used will be as specified by England Squash and Racketball, unless stated otherwise.
Club Facilities
Five championship courts, lounge area, bar.
You can visit the club website for more information at:
http://www.wycombesquash.co.uk/
Five championship courts, lounge area, bar.
You can visit the club website for more information at:
http://www.wycombesquash.co.uk/
