News / Blog - Sports News

The Delancey bowling rink enjoys a very special setting. From its elevated position is offers a view toward all the other Channel Islands.

On a clear and sunny day the coast of France offers a backdrop to the scene. All this could be a distraction to play but as with all sports there is an underlining competitive edge... even in 'social' bowls games! Players have no interest in anything other than their play.

Last week I was asked to pop along to Delancey to photograph the action between NBA and Vale Rec. I've added a small gallery here:
CLICK TO VIEW NBA v VALE REC BOWLS

It was only in the edit of my MTB Downhill pics that I realized that I think I was 'Photo-bombed' by some of the junior riders!

As I worked through the one hundred and seventy pics I kept getting a feeling of deja vu. I was sure I'd just seen that pic before!

On closer inspection I worked it out.

It seems that a few of the juniors had decided that this was the perfect chance to have a photograph of their (very brave) jumps 'into space' off the new ramp at La Pomare.

I had started the morning scouting for the best angles and found a perfect spot whilst the guys were practicing. And as I was engrossed in my work I captured multiple pics!

Now, usually, I'd have a quick cull to get rid of duplicates and get the numbers down but I decided that on this occasion this would just be rude and disrespectful for the efforts shown by the lads to quickly make a circuit and leap again.

So, if you do take a look at the new gallery, you will see that I've kept all the pics.... after all each one is slightly different, and it stands as a record of the fun they had.

Follow this link to view the Gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW THE JUNIORS ENJOYING THE NEW DOWNHILL RAMP

The referee left us in no doubt about which colour is his favorite at The Track this evening.

The semi-final of the 2021 Rawlinson Cup between North and Vale Rec featured a dozen views of the yellow card AND was supported by use of a ten minute Sin Bin.

As an onlooker I didn't see the game as being as 'dirty' as a twelve yellow card monster but maybe the officials are trying to set the tone early at the start of this new season.

Perhaps they are going to demand a game without any marginal contact and NO back chat from the players? I wish them luck!

I've uploaded a gallery of pics here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE NORTH v VALE REC RAWLINSON SEMI-FINAL

With a limited size entry the 2021 Darts Grand Slam was an early sell-out. The players who secured a place were the lucky few.

The competition was held at the Northerners Club House and it was a hive of activity when I popped along to take a few pics.

Follow this link to view the pics:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE DARTS GRAND SLAM

This evening I popped down to the Corbet Field to cover the bowls competition taking place on the grass green.

There was play across the rinks as the Mens Island Tostevin Triples was contested.

I've added a gallery here which can be viewed by following this link:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE MENS ISLAND TOSTEVIN TRIPLES

There was an 'end of term' vibe at the final Day-7 of the 2021 Trident Trust All Terrain Challenge in Herm.

Even the rain couldn't dampen the excitement and anticipation before the start... and my goodness did it try!!

The runners who joined me on the 15:15 Travel Trident were met by a Niagara Falls of muddy water on the Rosaire Steps!

After my lack of enthusiasm at the Saints Bay Hill where my 'photo opportunities' were limited the final event in Herm was a treasure! And to think I nearly didn't go!!

Of course any day that ends with a beer or two has a head start.

But whilst I'm really pleased with the 'story telling' of my pics I know that I actually missed what was probably the 'shot of the day'. This (would have been) of the torrent of muddy water that greeted us at the Rosaire steps... and the rain was still coming down in biblical amounts!

I have to admit that a younger me would have made the effort, whatever the discomfort and risk to equipment, to capture the moment but I have to concede that my youthful enthusiasm seems to have left the room!!

Hopefully I did get a few good pics?
CLICK TO VIEW THE VERY DAMP HERM ALL TERRAIN CHALLENGE

Day 6 of the Trident Trust All Terrain Challenge was a real dampener on the previous days of racing, literally.

The evening's run was held at the Saints Bay hill... is hill a big enough word for this incline?

The course is relentlessly steep as it climbs straight (no helpful switchbacks to ease the slope) from the kiosk on the beach and onward towards the top of the cliffs.

The dampener was the torrential rain just before the start. We all got a soaking. Maybe the runners enjoyed the relief from the other nights heat but for me it was just uncomfortable. Also a factor was the low light under the trees which restricted the variety of pics I could capture. Ultimately this was not a very fulfilling night for a 'tog. Better luck in Herm for day 7?

The pics are now online. I offer my apologise for the repetitive nature of the shots.... I've already made my excuses, ha, ha!
CLICK TO VIEW DAY 6 OF THE TRIDENT TRUST ALL TERRAIN CHALLENGE

Day 5 of the Trident Trust All Terrain Challenge was run over the infamous Icart Loop.

Once again it was a hot evening but maybe there was a small relief given by a slight breeze rising up the cliffs. One thing though was certain... the Guernsey cliffs looked stunning. What a setting for a race!

I've uploaded a new Gallery featuring Day 5's racing:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE INFAMOUS ICART LOOP

Day-4 of the 2021 Trident Trust All Terrain Challenge took the form of a grueling climb starting from the lighthouse on the Castle Emplacement.

Runners heading off towards the aquarium before switching back and climbing the cliff path to Fort George.

This would be a good workout on a cool Autumnal eve but in the oppressive heat of this week the runners were drained of energy. But there were still plenty smiles for the camera!!

The week of racing is just getting better to photograph each evening. The communal sense of achievement, whatever the level of performance, is palpable.

The Challenge has a few more days to go... I'll try and be there.

Follow this link to view the pics so far:
CLICK TO VIEW THE TRIDENT TRUST ALL TERRAIN CHALLENGE PICS

Day-3 of the Trident Trust All Terrain Challenge took the form of a team 800m relay race around the athletics track at Footes Lane.

I admit that I was more than confused at the pre race briefing but thankfully the runners are brighter than this old photographer and the race seemed to run smoothly.

The format of the evening was designed to encourage people to mix with other competitors and it appeared very successful at this. Nineteen teams of up to six runners were formed. These team members then completed their 800m runs by passing the baton.

The clever part was the baton had a transponder attached so each change-over was able to record each individuals own 800m time.

I've added a new gallery featuring the Day-3 race.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE DAY-3 RELAY RACE

The 2021 Trident Trust All Terrain Challenge was raced during the hottest week so far in 2021. The varied and challenging courses offered great variety to the runners with the best all-rounders coming out as ultimate champions.

These events are great fun to photograph as everyone is enthusiastic and chasing their own 'goals'

Check out this Gallery for my pics of the weeks racing:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TRIDENT TRUST ALL TERRAIN CHALLENGE PICS

The last month has been really hectic with my assignments seeming to extend the hours at both ends!

Sunday was a good example as I was out of bed a 5:45am to be down at Rocquaine Bay for the start of the Uber Triathlon and my head didn't touch the pillow until 02:30am on Monday morning!

But the fact is that I love what I do. The variety in each weeks work keeps things really interesting and I'm of the opinion that nothing is just given to you, you have to put in the effort and energy to make things happen.

I'm certainly not trying to say that my life is all work and no play as that couldn't be further from the truth.... as work actually feels like play to me!!

Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to say that about the way they earn a living!

So with the edit complete a small new Gallery of pics is now online featuring the Uber Triathlon. Check it out here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE UBER TRIATHLON PICS

As it seems to be the norm for a weekend I had a full day of photography which included meeting an early submission time for my pics to the Guernsey Press.

It seems that there was some sort of football game going on requiring people to get out of the office early!?

But everything ran smoothly and I've even completed one of the main edits too!

It was the final day of the 25th Guernsey Velo Club Tour of Guernsey and the action was across L'Ancresse Common. Its been a really enjoyable week following the tour around Guernsey. The events have been well supported and well run. Some riders have taken it very seriously with others treating it as a fun way to just get out and get fit.

The memorable part for me will be all the smiles, jokes and banter.

Look out.... it's only twelve months until the next one :-)

The final days pics are online here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FINAL DAY OF THE ToG

The fifth day of the Guernsey Velo Club 2021 Tour of Guernsey was held above and below ground at the site of the Underground Hospital.

It's always a thought that I'd like to take pics inside the tunnels however I know how hard it is to even capture good pics of runners (with the main tunnel lights on). When you factor the extra speed of the MTB bikes and the fact that the only light comes from their headlights it's not really worth the gamble.

So it was up in the fields for me.... and I captured some great action.

Take a look at the Galleries here:
CLICK TO VIEW ALL THE 2021 TOUR OF GUERNSEY PICS

Quick by nature, quick by subject.... quick by edit.

It's all go around here!

The speedy GVC Tour of Guernsey took to the slopes at Petit Bot for Day-3 of the racing and I balanced precariously on a slippery bank to capture some of the action!

My edit is now complete and can be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF DAY-3 OF THE GVC ToG

Day 2 of the 2021 GVC Tour of Guernsey was held in Ronez Quarry which always produces different pics from the normal scenes.

This was the first view (above) that I had of the competitors returning up the hill after checking the track. There was an air of wet expectation before their timed run.

I really enjoy photographing this event and it was no different this year however it was certainly uncomfortable down in the bottom of the huge hole waiting for the action to start.... whilst the heavens opened!

Ultimately (after drying out) I was really please with my pics as the overcast light really added to the soggy feel of the event!

So that's another days edit sorted and I've added the pics to two new Galleries, this time a Juniors and a Seniors. Follow this link to the Gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2021 GVC TOUR OF GUERNSEY

This years Guernsey Velo Club MTB Tour of Guernsey represents an impressive 25th time it has been run... or should that be ridden?

Once again it will be a busy and tiring week for the riders as they take on varied tracks meaning the winners will have to master all sorts of conditions.

Indeed the Day-1 event was very challenging in some sections after the overnight rain made for some very slippery areas.

But it was impressive that most competitors still had smiles on their faces even after uttering a few expletives when seeing some of the new downhill sections!

Everything is in place for a very enjoyable week. Keep returning to this website for the updates.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2021 TOUR OF GUERNSEY

Well you shouldn't always believe what it says on the tin.... or in this case the Facebook invitation!

I was looking forward to popping down to the Vazon Bay sands to photograph an event that was headlined 'Sunset Surf Tri'.

This ticked most of my boxes as the Triathlon events are always great fun to photograph... and add in a nice sunset as a background = happy photographer!

Sadly the early evening start was fairly chilly but more importantly the anticipated sunset was replaced by an offshore sea mist. So no chance of capturing the warm glow of a setting sun.

But in the end my pics had a different feel with the even light giving a more high key look to the pics and I still managed to enjoy photographing this new event.

I've added two galleries of pics with the Juniors one needing a password from me to gain access. There is a link on the Junior gallery thumbnail to allow you to request the password.

Maybe next time I photograph this event I'll be able to tick all the boxes, including the sunset!!?

Follow this link to view the pics:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SUNSET SURF TRI PICS

Last night I covered the Guernsey Softball Association Slow Pitch League game at Beau Sejour - Rangers Softball v Barber Blue Jays.

This game took place in perhaps the most difficult conditions for a photographer... especially one who wears glasses!

The light level was low and a heavy fine drizzle was being driven into the camera lens and my face making visibility really hard.

Luckily the camera seemed to have more luck handling the challenge than I did and after completing the edit I was actually quite pleased with the results!

It's just a shame that the pics give little idea of the discomfort I had when taking them!!

I've added a new Gallery featuring my pics of the game:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE DAMP SOFTBALL GAME

This Sunday my morning started in a more relaxed style than a week ago when I awoke late for the Triathlon.

It's never a good way to start a day when you are still in bed when you are meant to be taking pics of the start of an event.... in 25 minutes time!!

I did actually make it to the start line last week but my equilibrium was trashed for the rest of the morning!

No such problems though this morning. My internal body clock told me to wake at six and I even had time for breakfast before heading to Chouet for the Guernsey Velo Club Criterum.

The morning was dry but the cloud cover meant that the light was subdued and the colours were saturated. That'll do for this photographer.

The racing was great as the total circuit only took maybe less than eight minutes so there was always something happening... not like the eight MILE long circuits where you get to see the action just three of four times.

More action.... that'll do nicely for this photographer!

I've just added a new gallery of my pics. Follow this link to view them:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PIC OF THE GVC CHOUET CRIT