RACKETBALL - ROB Watkins reached the final of the Over-40s National Racketball Championships in Birmingham.

ROB Watkins reached the final of the Over-40s National Racketball Championships in Birmingham.

Watkins had earlier in the year won the Weston Racketball Championships. The Nationals saw over 250 players entering all events from the men's, women's and other age groups.

Watkins had a tough draw, beating former England junior Robert Owen in the quarter- finals 3-1, then beating J Broadman, the number two seed, 3-1. In the semi he played J Blenkinsop and won 3-0. The first game of the final was a close affair with Rob leading 8-7, but Jim Lord, reigning Over-35 and 40 champion, came back to win 11-9. Lord played great controlled racketball in the second and third to win 11-6, 11-4 and take the title again.

Racketball is similar to squash but played with a larger ball and slightly bigger rackets. The ball bounces higher and slower and there is less strain on the joints . It is an ideal game for ex-squash players or beginners. Rallies can be long as it is difficult to kill the ball.

The game is played a lot at Weston Squash and Racketball Club and anybody interested in joining the club or giving the game a try should contact Graham Quick on 629225.