When Vince Winyard, one of Oakleigh Park's tennis stars, came into the club with a couple of unfamiliar-looking rackets and an unusual size ball less than a year ago, he challenged one or two of Oakleigh's squash players to a game called racketball.

The game proved to be an instant hit and although it is played on a squash court, and has similar rules, the technique needed and the feel of the ball is such that many tennis players felt equally comfortable when they tried the game.

This produced a a healthy rivalry with an increasing number of club members being drawn into the game, causing the formation of Racketball Leagues.

It was then decided that an annual racketball championship, to match the club's tennis and squash format, would be appropriate ,, a decision that was endorsed by an entry of 28.

The championship was played over five days and Kevin Sargeant and Duncan Howes emerged to contest the final.

It proved an interesting encounter, with Sargeant the squash specialist and Howes predominately a tennis player. Sargeant had the edge, winning 15-8, 15-11.

The large entry enabled a plate event to be held and Simon Emrenmark bet Howard Soley 15-10, 20-18 in the final.

New sport is

a real winner

RACKETBALL