Club Racketball Championship - and the winners are...

Hi all,

The Club Racketball Champioships concluded last night (Saturday 10th) with the finals of the main competition and the plate. As this was a new competition a new champ would be crowned that evening.

The night before saw some epic Racketball Matches as the semi-finals took place, a small crowd had gathered and were vocal in they're support.

First up was David v Tony, looking for a place in the Plate final against John (who had qualified the week earlier against Bob). David took the first 2 games, benefiting from Tony's lack of court time and mistakes, but Tony slowed his game down to take the next. The fourth 4th saw the lead swing back and forth before David opened a small gap and won the match 3-1.

Next up was #1 seed Richard v #4 seed George. Both players announced to those watching that this was not going to be a short match and they did not lie. One and half hours later (or was it two?) they came off court exhausted with Richard taking the spoils 3-2. Unfortunately the game had taken so long that those who were still at the club were either in the bar or had moved to court 2 to watch the other semi final! That game Rob v Robin, was a complete contrast to the other. The rallies were fast and furious with both players trying to outwit the other with their variety of high risk shots. Rob took the first, then Robin came back 1-1. Rob dug in and fought hard to finish the match 3-1. But had that effort taken its toll.

SO, come Saturday evening a larger crowd had turned up to support the players and also take advantage of the newly stocked bar (Thanks Rob!).

First match of the evening was the Plate final David v John. John was fresh from not having played the day before and the first game had the score going to double figures for both players before David won 15-13. The next was a similar affair, no one player could get their nose in front, but David took that one too. At 2-0 David found his groove and took an early lead which John couldn't claw back. David even managed a few well crafted nicks, to the crowds delight. Final score David won 3-0.

Last match of the day was the main final, Richard v Rob. Rob came out all guns blazing, striking the ball well and with pace, but Richard was able to absorb the power and showing another dimension to his game he was using the front of the court as well as his normal tactic of keeping the ball in play. Richard took the first game. It was more of the same for the second, Rob moving the ball at pace, keeping it low but Richard retrieved well and took an early lead. Rob was showing signs of fatigue, but in the second half of the game drew back to almost level. Richard reacted and took the final few points, taking the score to 2 games to 0.
The third was more of the same, Rob trailing before finding a second wind then Richard finishing off strong. Richard wins 3-0 and is the new Club Racketball Champion.

A small presentation was made to the winners and runners-up. (photos attached) and tt was agreed the tournament was a success and something to be repeated next year.

Thank you to all who particiapted, to those who supported and see you on court with the big ball.

Regards
David