Thame Racquets hosts national doubles championships

THAME Racquets and Fitness club played host to the annual, National Racketball Doubles Championship over the weekend, October 10/11, 2009, with a much improved entry on previous years of 25 pairs.

There were three separate events which included Men’s, Ladies’ and Mixed categories all of which saw some fantastic matches.

In the Ladies’ event the formidable pair of Lucy Murphy and former WISPA professional, Stephanie Brind, secured the title beating Karen Bealey and Kathryn Milne 3-0.

In the mixed event there were some really tough matches which saw defending champions Jim Lord and Julie Lawton narrowly lose out to Andy Murphy and Stephanie Brind (3-2), who went on to take the title.

The Men’s event saw a strong competitive draw consisting of thirty two players and included main and plate events. After some scintillating matches, the plate event was one by Mark Webster and Surbiton based Rob Lelliot.

The main event witnessed some top quality performances which eventually saw top seeds, Jim Lord and Matt Baker, overcome some tough opposition to seal the title, beating former PSA professional Steve Bateman and his partner Mark Scott 3-0 in the final.

The tournament was run by Simon Martin in conjunction with England Squash and Racketball, and both partners were overjoyed with the event’s success. Simon commented: “We are always keen to host events of this nature and look forward to doing the same in the future.”

Full Scores were:
Ladies’ Final
Lucy Murphy and Stephanie Brind Beat Karen Bealey and Kathryn Milne
12-10 11-7 11-6

Mixed Final
Andy Murphy and Stephanie Brind Beat Jim Lord and Julie Lawton
8-11 11-9 9-11 11-6 11-8

Mens Plate Final
Mark Webster and Rob Lelliot Beat M. Thomley and P.Osborne
8-11 11-8 11-7 11-7

Mens Main Final
Jim Lord and Matt Baker Beat Steve Bateman and Mark Scott
11-5 11-6 11-8

PHOTOS: Matt Baker and Jim Lord, Steve Bateman and Mark Scott