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With 10 Bouts on the bill for the March Guernsey Dinner Boxing Club night at St Pierre Park Hotel it was always going to be a busy one!

The format followed a familiar route with the opening bouts featuring young novice boxers in 'skills contests'. These are valuable first experiences for future champions to get a feel what it's like to have a crowd shouting out encouragement.

After the openers it was down to the serious business with the Guernsey team taking on the visitors from Hull.

I've now uploaded all 10 Bouts of action to a new Gallery on my website if you want to take a look.

Please Tag and Share this post so we can get the word out to all the boxers. Thanks.

Here are the pics:
CLICK TO VIEW THE BOXING GALLERY - GUERNSEY v HULL

Nobody can deny that supporting GFC can be a little like riding a roller-coaster sometimes!

Today was a good example when our local side hosted Chipstead at Footes Lane in the Isthmian South Central League.

The first half was quite uninspiring from both sides but the teams returned to the pitch after halftime with ambitions to take a win. The game came alive and GFC had to pull back a goal deficit twice as Chipstead piled on pressure.

Once again a visiting side (when in the lead) pulled every trick in the book to waste time making GFC supporters fear we wouldn't get opportunity to score again.

But, our star player, yes you guessed it, Ross Allen produced his magic on the 90th minute to send Chipstead home with just one point!

The result for GFC felt as good as a win!

My pics of the game are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF GFC v CHIPSTEAD

The 2023 Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club 2-Day Trials event was really well supported this year. Even though, sadly, the French contingent was unable to join us due to Condor Ferries cancelling the sailing!

The French were certainly missed but our Jersey cousins had made the effort to get over... even though they also had disruption with the delivery of their bikes. I believe they might have visited the UK on the way to Guernsey! You really can't make it up!

But, in the end, things fell into place and the resilient Trials bunch were able to get out to play.

They are certainly a 'hard-core' bunch as Day-1 was, from my viewpoint, a pretty miserable affair. Don't misunderstand me, I enjoyed being out on the sections taking pics. It was just that it was so bleak, misty, damp, muddy and tiring.

The toughest sections seemed to be down in the cliff-side valley at Todders. I said 'seemed' as due to the mist all I could see from the top were vague shapes through the mist then the revving of engines as the riders tried to pull themselves out of the valley up the very slippery slopes.

Remarkably most of them could still raise a weary smile at the top. Maybe that was just relief that they would eventually be able to take a nice warm shower... together with a beer or six!

Day two was, in comparison, like chalk and cheese. For this we all headed to the North with the majority of the sections set up around L'Ancresse Common. The weather was dry until near the end and mud and slippery slopes were just a memory.

It was a fitting end to an exhausting and busy weekend... that's just the sort we enjoy most, isn't it!

I've added Galleries for the two days of Trials if you are interested. Click the link to view them:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2023 2-DAY TRIALS

Today's Guernsey Velo Club Road Race on the L'Eree Circuit was held in conditions that were particularly tough along the coast road section where the combination of a high tide and strong winds meant an uncomfortable ride for competitors.

Surprisingly a few of them still managed a smile for the cameraman!

As for myself, well I managed to stay dry.... I'm not daft!

I've uploaded a few pics to a new Gallery here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE L'EREE CIRCUIT ROAD RACE

With the 2023 GMC&CC Sandracing season soon to start I have found a few pics from the 2018 season that never got edited and uploaded.

I had to check back through my diary to see why I had been so lax!

My memory must be getting weak with age as I was reminded that this race happened in the middle of my planning and organising the complete renovation of the bungalow that we now live in.

At the time I still tried to get out to events but I didn't have a desk and computer properly set up. So there we are, I still have quite a lot that I can bring up to date. The question is... Have I got the motivation and time?

As they say, time will tell!

The new Sand Racing update can be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW NEW SAND RACING PICS FROM 2018

GFC struggled to find form against Merstham FC under flood lights at Footes Lane last night going down 1-2.

The visiting side tested the referee by using every 'trick in the book' to frustrate and delay the play. Sadly many of the more experienced visiting sides seem use this ruse to lower the standard of play and kill a game - especially when they find themselves in a two goal lead!!!

I guess the tactic of pushing the Ref's resolve is now part of the game, maybe it always was? I witnessed Merstham players niggling at GFC players, backing into players looking for a foul and somehow dropping to the ground in pain after an 'unseen' clash!

By pure coincidence I'm sure, this often happened when GFC had a bit of momentum!!

I really HATE this part of the game. It can be seen right up to the International level... mostly in the men's game. Maybe this is why I really enjoying the flow and undoubted skills shown in Woman's football?

My pics of the GFC game are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW GFC v MERSTHAM FC

To quote James Falla in his Guernsey Press report on the National Two East Rugby, Guernsey Raiders v Dorking at the weekend...

'Raiders secured one of their wins of the season with both a thrilling and ruthlessly professional performance to see off the challenge of Dorking at Footes Lane'.

I think that perfectly sums up the Raiders performance.

There was a real buzz around the pitch as the Raiders showed their class and commitment against the top-three in the league visitors who had brought along a vocal group of supporters. This, together with our local crowd, added to the overall atmosphere. Rugby at its best. Well done to all those who were part of the game.

I enjoyed being pitch-side and my pics are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW GUERNSEY RAIDERS v DORKING

More from the Motocross track....

With the cliff-top track in excellent condition for racing the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Motocross racers had a fun day at the latest Championship race.

I was there for a couple of hours before leaving to cover the Raiders Rugby and captured some of the action.

This link will take you to the Gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST MOTOCROSS RACING

Epic, sensational, dramatic, nail-biting, tense.....

And I could still say more!

This was the 2023 U18's Junior Muratti at The Track between Guernsey and Jersey. It took a nerve gangling penalty shootout to give Guernsey the win after being two goals down - one after just 38 seconds!

Guernsey managed to pull it level at 2-2 by fulltime.

Then in extra time the Donkeys scored to make it 3-2 but they then allowed the visitors to equalize setting the final score after 120 minutes at 3-3 and the promise of a shootout!

As always this form of resolution to a game only promises heartbreak to one of the teams and it was Jersey who went home deflated and disappointed.

But what a great afternoon of entertainment for the large crowd and well done to Guernsey U18's!

My pics of the Junior Muratti are here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2023 JUNIOR MURATTI

Firstly, thanks for all the orders of Rally pics. You will now have received all the Digital versions. Standard prints will be in the post tomorrow and Canvases by the weekend.

Having completed the monster sized edit of the 2023 Guernsey Rally pics I've now indulged myself by finding a few minutes to develop a couple of Black & white versions.

My guess is that most photographers of my generation... I'm talking born in the mid fifties! will have a soft spot for the 'purity' of the mono-toned image. Take a quick look at these examples and see if you agree with me?

If you want me to convert one of your favorite pics to B&W just let me know.

You can view all the 2023 Comprop Guernsey Rally pics by clicking on this link:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE 2023 COMPROP RALLY PICS

I'm really pleased to see that the overwhelming majority of comments about the 2023 Comprop Guernsey Rally have been positive.

In fact the behavior of the few protesters has even turned the 'neutrals' into supporters of this amazing event!

Every cloud has a silver lining, eh!

I've just added the last pics to the Galleries which now cover Scrutineering, Friday night and Saturday racing.

Check out the most comprehensive coverage of the 2023 Comprop Guernsey Rally by following this link:
CLICK TO VIEW THE COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE 2023 COMPROP GUERNSEY RALLY

This latest Gallery features just a few pics of the Friday night Torteval Stage of the 2023 Comprop Guernsey Rally. Sadly a tiny minority of people decided to act selfishly to disrupt the running of both of the evening stages.

Their behavior was shocking as they threatened to put lives at risk... including their own. They totally disregarded the fact that all official permissions were in place to run the Rally and the disruption to residents was just for a couple of hours.

I spoke to many people along the Stages and without exception all of them were supportive of the Rally. They had wrapped up warm, had a coffee or beer in hand and were thrilled to see something different in their neighborhood. For many they only needed to walk down to the end of their drive for a grandstand view!!

Thankfully the full day of racing on Saturday went smoothly and it proved what a fantastic job the committed group of organizers had done.

We mustn't allow a noisy negative minority to speak for us. The normally silent supportive majority needs to find its voice to support these events which add so much to local life.

I hope you enjoy the pics. Roll on Rally 2024!
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2023 COMPROP GUERNSEY RALLY GALLERIES

I guess that no one ever said it was going to be easy!

But after four successful and well supported Guernsey Rallies I was hopeful, enthusiastic and eager to enjoy the spectacle of Rally racing through the tight and twisty Guernsey lanes again.

As I've spent a couple of decades on the edge of our Motorsport scene I've recognized how much work has to be put in to 'make things work' in organizing any event. This is something that only gets more challenging as each year passes and even more 'red tape' and form filling is necessary before a wheel is spun off a start line!

This leads me to ask the question... Why does anyone get out of bed in the morning thinking that all that hassle organizing an event is worth the effort?

I can't answer that.

But after the disruption and selfish, spiteful behavior shown towards the Guernsey Rally by a tiny number of residents in 2023 I fear that those people who put so much work into the organizing of the Guernsey Rally will be disheartened. Why would they want to spend so much time arranging all the correct and legal permissions to then have their work wasted?

Well, maybe I can answer that question.

I spent the few hours, yes that was all the short inconvenience lasted, out on the Rally Stages and I spoke to many of the residents who lived on the closed roads... and I was welcomed by people who were open minded and enthusiastic to enjoy something different for a change! There are many people who support and enjoy the thrill of a racing car at speed at the bottom of their driveway! They think it is fantastic to have a 'ring-side seat' (for a couple of hours!) Those people far outnumber the negative people who object... but we all know it's those people who make the most noise!

I'm not disrespectful of others who have differing and strong views on whether Motorsport has a place in the 'modern world' but as we all reside on this small rock surely tolerance, for a few hours, towards others has to be a good and necessary thing?

IF there is the will to try for another Guernsey Rally next year I hope the 'silent majority' will find their voice and make their support known.

I was able to capture some of the great action around the Stages and my pics are now online here....
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2023 COMPROP RALLY GALLERIES

What a very pleasant couple of hours that was.

I'm talking about a common theme that gets repeated on my Blog at least five of six times a year! Yes I know I lack imagination... but what can I say... it's true!!

I was down on Chouet beach to photograph the Autocross Club Banger racing. And the sun was out. And the action was entertaining. And it beats having a 'proper job'.

When I tick those three boxes I'm bound to be happy!

And the result of my 'work' is now online. Click the link to view the Gallery of pics:
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST AUTOCROSS PICS

Footes Lane hosted a double-header of Rugby on Saturday. Each game featured a visiting team.

Sadly the outcomes were different.

With St Jacques Vikings taking a decisive win in the first game against Andover RFC maybe our expectations for the clash between Blackheath Rugby Club and Raiders rose a bit too high?

Realistically Guernsey Raiders didn't have the odds on their side. Blackheath are set at the top of the National Two South Rugby League and the last time the sides met we were well beaten.

But for this home game the Raiders put on a solid performance and should be proud to have featured so strongly. Well done guys.

You can view my pics by following the link:
CLICK TO VIEW GUERNSEY RAIDERS v BLACKHEATH RC
CLICK TO VIEW ST JACQUES VIKINGS v ANDOVER RFC

GFC are keeping the ball rolling and the winning streak going after another 3-1 win in the Isthmian South Central League at Footes Lane.

Hanworth Villa were the visitors. Maybe they arrived confident that they could get a result against Guernsey. But it only took about two minutes for them to see that they were facing a newly confident GFC who are building strength in all areas of their squad.

I popped down to Footes Lane for the night-time game and was joined by a large crowd who had been encouraged to support the local side with free entry.

It was good fun photographing under the stadium lights... with a win being an extra bonus!

My pics are online here:
CLICK TO VIEW GFC v HANWORTH VILLA

The GVC returned to a track laid out in a valley above the reservoir for Round 5 of the Ian Brown's sponsored MTB XC series.

I believe it is four years since a race had been held here and considerable work had to be put in by the Club to get a circuit cleared.

But I think it was well worth the effort. It was certainly a challenge for the riders as all the groaning attested to!!

I loved having a different and scenic backdrop to my photos. These were enhanced by the lovely, bright and warm sun. It really felt like a spring day... now I mustn't get too excited yet as it is still only Ferbruary!

As usual I find I respond well when the 'stars' line up to produce attractive shots and I ended up with an 'ample' number of pics for the Gallery!

You can view them all here:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE RESERVOIR MTB XC PICS

GFC supporters were rewarded in two ways at the latest Isthmian South Central League football game against Binfield FC.

First the BIG one. GFC won in great style! Banfield are near the top of the league so they shouldn't be an easy push-over. But GFC have hit on their best form of the season and played with great confidence, commitment and style. They totally deserved the 3-1 win.

The second reward for fans was the announcement during the game that for the next fixture on Wednesday evening the entry will be FREE!

So come on everyone. If we can fill the stand with our noisy support we can all do our bit. A good crowd can be worth a twelfth player!

My pics of the GFC v Binfield can be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE GFC v BINFIELD PICS

With a few minutes to spare I had the opportunity to pop in to the 2023 Thirst Music School Battle of the School Bands at Beau Sejour.

My time and access was limited and I only saw the second half of the show... but I was lucky to catch the winners!

Lots of young talent was on show!

I've added a few pics to this new Gallery. Just click the link to view them:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2023 BATTLE OF THE SCHOOL BANDS

Well it took a while but I'm there!

Three Motorsport events edited and added to the Galleries. The last of the trilogy is the GMC&CC Trials.

I spent a busy Sunday afternoon chasing the riders around Lance's land below the reservoir and if you're interested this is a link to view the pics:
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST TRIALS PICS