Simon is National Racketball Over 45s Champion 2016

Racquets Fitness Centre players Tom White, Oz Mustafa and Simon Martin all competed in the National Racketball Championships 2016 at Edgbaston Priory in Birmingham last weekend. 

Attracting over 200 players from all over the country and Channel Islands the tournament was played at the recently 15 million pound refurbished squash and tennis centre. 

Tom, with his amazing racket skills, was battling with injury.  He lost closely to last years’ champion in the over 50s.  Oz lost closely to the number 2 seed in 5 games.

Simon had a good run and made it to the Over 45s final surprisingly after some heavy socialising and  seemed to find some puff from somewhere to beat last years’ champion from Yorkshire Mark Francis.   “I am pleased to have come back from a hip resurfacing 5 years ago to achieve another national title.  It was 24 years ago when I won the Open Championships last time.  I had a good draw and great support from the boys.   It just goes to show that with good strength and conditioning work in the gym you can recover from major surgery and gain all your mobility and fitness back.  I must thank the Racquets gym and massage team for their help with all our players and would recommend anyone to play racketball whatever age or level as it is very easy to play and a fun workout.

I would like to dedicate this battle to my family, especially my late Dad who passed away in February this year.   I wore my Cancer Research T-shirts throughout the tournament!

Good luck to Racquets in the final of the Buckinghamshire racketball league finals this Saturday being held at Aylesbury Squash and Tennis club.  We’re looking to retain the team wining form from last year.