IT WAS a hectic weekend at Weston Squash and Racketball Club as the 2011 racketball championships were contested by nearly 30 members.

IT WAS a hectic weekend at Weston Squash and Racketball Club as the 2011 racketball championships were contested by nearly 30 members.

With three grades and an Over-60 category, there were some keenly contested matches. Games were played on a round robin basis, with the top players going through to the final.

In the Grade C category for less experienced players, Manshu Shah showed considerable agility in beating Paul O’Conner, while the Grade B final was a family affair with Jerry Lane beating his daughter Emma 3-2 in a long and exhausting final.

Harry Lane was third in this category as his youth and tireless running was too much for his older opponent Dave Garrett to contend with.

The Over-60s final was a tight match with Richard Hazzard beating Kelvin Wyatt 2-1, Kelvin just running out of steam at crucial points in the match.

The climax of the weekend was the Grade A final between James Hazzard and Tom Lane. Both players have competed in national racketball tournaments and they thrilled the packed balcony with some breathtaking rallies.

James won 3-1 making few, if any unforced errors, whilst Tom was forced into hitting winning shots which did not always pay dividends

Racketball is similar to squash, but with a bouncier and bigger ball it is less stressful for the joints. It is equally suited for ex-squash players or those who just want to retain some level of fitness.

Anybody interested in playing should visit www.westonsquash.co.uk or contact Rod Barnes on 07766 116203.

For squash players, the club run four mixed and two ladies league teams and is about to launch a squash only club night on Tuesday nights from 7.15pm onwards.

For an initial period, this club night will be open to non-members and those interested should turn up at the club, which is located next to Weston Cricket Club.