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I photographed what is a new sport for me on Sunday.

However I was informed that the first ever running of this event was fifty years ago! Back then I was probably fit enough to take part but nowadays you will only find me on 'the sidelines'... taking pics!

Delancey Park was a very pleasant place to be for Round 3 of the GVC CycleWorld Cyclocross. It was a windy but very mild and sunny morning which put everyone in good spirits. There was no shortage of smiles through the grimace of pain as the many gradients and switches from riding to running sapped energy and rhythm from competitors.

There's a new Gallery featuring the Cyclocross here:
CLICK TO VIEW RACE 3 OF THE CYCLEWORLD CYCLOCROSS

Supporters of the Guernsey Raiders could not believe how close their team got to securing the win at Footes Lane against Sevenoaks.

After a very poor first half performance the Guernsey boys dug deep to pull back the deficit into hold a two point lead. This led to a tense finish but with the play being held deep into the Sevenoaks half and moments left on the clock it looked like the local team were going to be rewarded for the turn around.

But it wasn't to be as Sevenoaks made a break and sneaked a last minute try to equal the score. Thankfully it wasn't converted so both sides shared the points with a draw. Raiders were so close to the win!

My pics of the game are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF GUERNSEY RAIDERS v SEVENOAKS

I was back in the Sir John Loveridge Hall at Beau Sejour for more sports photography last night.

The last time I was covering a night of Boxing... in a darkened hall.

This time the lights were up and that always helps a sports photographer!

I was there for a Division One Basketball game between Le Mont Saint and Edmundson Electrical Chargers. The game was very close and tense right to the end with Le Mont Saint taking the win by one point.

I enjoy trying to capture this sport as it really challenges a sports 'tog with its relentless speed and movement around the whole court. Getting a clear unblocked view of the best action needs concentration, timing and a fair amount of luck.

If you want to take a look at my pics click on this link:
CLICK TO VIEW LE MONT SAINT v EDMUNDSON ELECTRICAL CHARGERS

Its been half a year since I stood on a Trials section but I was back today.

The length of the break isn't quite how it reads as the sport takes a break during the summer months.

So now we are fully into the autumn period I was able to get back to trying to capture some of the action. And, as if to affirm that winter is on the way, the skies opened and soaked me and my gear!

I was down Petit Bot hill where sections were spread out along the length. Slippery banks, running streams and steep inclines were all included. Oh, and lots of mud.

My pics of the event are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE PETIT BOT TRIALS PICS

The 2022/23 Guernsey Athletics FNB XC Series Race-1 was held in conditions well suited for Cross Country.

Now I haven't run a Cross Country race since I was at the Grammar School... and I was quite competitive in my day! Hard to believe, I know!

I recall that all those years ago (over half a century!), we used to race on a track set out in fields around the Little Chapel. I used to cycle up there from the Capelles, race and then cycle back home.

The other strong memory is that it always seemed to rain!

So today I was standing on L'Ancresse Common ready to photograph race one of the 2022/23 FNB XC Series in the rain and it all seemed perfect for a cross country race.

There was a really decent size entry so this series should be well worth watching.

It was great to see so many juniors too. But I wonder how many had cycled down to the race? Or do they all have a parent chauffeuring them around nowadays? How times change. ha ha

My pics of the event can be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE FNB XC SERIES DOYLE LOOP

Last week one of my assignments took me to a dark function room in the Wayside Cheer Hotel. The event was Guernsey Darts 'Medway Weekend'

There was a great atmosphere at the competition. It was an unusual mix of close friendships built over the many years that this event has been organized together with the competitive will to win.

Just for the record... Guernsey took the win (7-5) on Friday night. The supporters really got behind their teams as the result went all the way to the last of the contests!

Thankfully, in true Darts tradition, the tension could be eased by a beer or two!

My attention however was focused on the difficulties of capturing the games. The light levels in the main room were very low but there were very bright 'hot-spots' highlighting the dart board. Conditions that digital cameras don't enjoy.

At the end of the night I had to make a quick edit to submit my pics for publication... something that was helped by a couple of beers as I had to abstain whilst working.

I assure you that I deserved them and they went down very well too!

I've now completed the full edit and if you are interested you can view the pics here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF GUERNSEY DARTS MEDWAY WEEKEND

As it was headlined as the Guernsey Amalgamated Boxing Club's October Fright Night at Beau Sejour we were sure to enjoy a full night of boxing.

The RAF had been invited back with a team of boxers for twelve hard fought bouts and I was ring-side and close to the action.

Boxing is a fast sport where fighters have to duck and dive to avoid their opponents offensive. This, of course, makes it quite a challenge for a photographer as we are literally chasing a moving target!

Luckily - and helpfully - the first couple of bouts usually feature young or less experienced boxers. They don't move around the ring quite as fast so it gives me a little time to get 'tuned into' the sport again.

These nights are always busy and there is very little down time. Before you know it there are twelve bouts 'in the can' and a whole lot of editing to do.

So this afternoon I made a start and eight bouts are now online. The others will follow.....

UPDATE: All pics are now online.

Follow this ling to view the Gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW THE OCTOBER FRIGHT NIGHT 2022

Supporters of Guernsey Raiders had something to celebrate as the final whistle was blown at Footes Lane on Saturday.

If you are a fan of the Raiders you will be used to the drama and challenges facing our side as they fight for results.

The opposition in the Rugby National League 2 East are proving tough to beat and the demands on our squad come in the form of relentless travel away and keeping fit and free of injury.

Sometimes it must feel like an almost impossible uphill journey.

But then, as in every sport, sometimes you get a reward for all the effort put in and suddenly the future looks a little brighter. Enthusiasm takes a welcome step up and there is a hunger to get into the action again to keep up momentum.

I'm sure that the Raiders dressing room was buzzing after their win against a strong Worthing side at Footes Lane. Supporters and team can't wait for the next outing... bring it on!

Don't you just love the roller-coaster that is Sport!!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW RAIDERS v WORTHING

Like many 'old school' photographers I started my career shooting on black & white film.

Now more than five decades later I find that my 'first love' has stayed with me throughout life. It seems that there always remains a place in our heart for the 'first one'.

So having completed the edit of the 46th Guernsey Chess Festival (in colour) I allowed myself to indulge in a little nostalgia by selecting a few of the images to develop into black & white.

I have to admit that I loved the exercise and I could so easily give up on colour for the clarity, focus and purity that a mono-tone image produces.

Seeing these images has re-awakened the young photographer in me... from fifty-three years ago. You can expect more B&W pics from me in the future...

Take a look at this small edit of Black & White Chess pics. I hope they grab your attention as much as they do for me:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BLACK & WHITE CHESS EDIT

I popped along to the final day of the 46th Guernsey International Chess Festival to photograph the final games.

There was a different atmosphere within St James as the morning progressed. Whilst I had experienced the calm of the first few days it seemed that the lower level players had become more animated as they completed their own games.

There was a lot more movement around the room as the top games continued and everyone was able to observe the masters playing.

I've finished the week really pleased that I took up the offer to photograph this sport. It has ticked another box for me.

Oh, in case you are doubting whether Chess is a Sport, I've turned to the Internet for the answer... of course!

Whilst there may be some disagreement between some people I think there seems to be a consensus that Chess can be considered a Sport - maybe just a little different than my 'normal' sports photography!

My new pics have been added to this Gallery... scroll the the end for the latest pics:
CLICK TO VIEW THE LATEST CHESS FESTIVAL PICS

The Guernsey International Chess Festival returned in 2022 after Covid disrupted its organization for a couple of years.

Thankfully the enthusiasm hadn't waned within the dedicated crew that makes these things happen. This 46th time the festival has been organized was held in the impressive surroundings of St James. This lofty space was perfect for such an event. The hush within the building enhanced the overall atmosphere.

I was invited along to see what I could capture of the play. I arrived unsure how I would be able to work around those who were concentrating intensively on the board. I was aware that they wouldn't take kindly to being distracted!

However once I understood how things worked I was able to try to capture the essence of a Chess tournament. It was great fun for me and has allowed me to tick another box.

I hope you like the pics and you will have a better understanding of what the Guernsey International Chess Festival has to offer after viewing this Gallery.
CLICK TO VIEW THE 46th GUERNSEY INTERNATIONAL CHESS FESTIVAL

I've been playing catch... or to be more specific catch-up! with some Women's Basketball photography.

I'd turned around the Guernsey Press edit straight after getting home as there was a deadline but then other things seemed to get in the way of completing the job!

But that's fixed now. My pics of the Le Mont Saint Storm v Praxis Pumas are now online and can be viewed by following this link:
CLICK TO VIEW LE MONT SAINT STORM v PRAXIS PUMAS

Not many words this time!

Just to give you a link to pics of Round-2 of the Guernsey Autocross Club's Banger racing at Chouet Beach.

Round-2 of the Winter Championship can be viewed by following this link:
CLICK TO VIEW ROUND 2 OF THE AUTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

Whilst the show has to go on whatever the weather there is nothing wrong about enjoying when the sun is out and it is a warm early autumnal morning.

So it was very nice to visit The Track to photograph Round 9 of the Guernsey Kart & Motor Club Karting Championship on Sunday... in bright sun!

Motorsport has a tradition of using colourful graphics and of course the sun makes these colours more vibrant. A photographer will grasp the chance to work when things are so good!

If you want to see the result I've uploaded a new Gallery featuring Round 9 of the GK&MC Karting Championship.
CLICK TO VIEW ROUND 9 OF THE KART CHAMPIONSHIP

This was the second night of live music organized to celebrate the life and musical talents that Andy Coleman had enjoyed and shared with so many. After the previous weekends Jazz for Andy gig this one was to feature the guitar and popular music bands.

St James was sold out with a waiting list of hundreds so many people were disappointed to miss out!

The evening was both emotional and a fun party. For me the most touching memory was when Andy's daughter, Clara, joined Sons of the Desert for a couple of songs.... wow, wonderful!

All those who knew Andy know he would have loved everything about the evening as music and friendship are meant to be enjoyed in the company of those you love.

I hope these galleries help to illustrate and remember the atmosphere of the night.....
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE GIG FOR ANDY

Local musicians gathered at St James to celebrate the life, the music and the friendships they shared with Andy Coleman in a night titled 'Jazz for Andy'.

Many good memories were shared by the musicians as they took to the stage. Some chose to tell us what was so special in their friendship with Andy. They often repeated how he would always offer support and encouragement. Also his natural talent playing such varied genre's of music impressed many.

I think that what touched me on the night was the fact that Andy had almost always played a 'supporting' role in the bands he was in. He wasn't a 'frontman' or 'pushy' to take the spotlight but his wonderful personality shone through and he clearly made a lasting impression on all those around him... without even trying!

It's such a loss that he is gone - but what a way to celebrate such a lovely persons life. Rest at peace in our memories Andy. xx

I've added a gallery of pics featuring some of the performances:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE JAZZ FOR ANDY NIGHT AT ST JAMES

We are entering the period when the weather gods can throw all sorts of unpleasant and uncomfortable conditions at us.

When you are a sports photographer you must be ready and equipped to work whatever drops out of the sky!

However there is nothing wrong when the elements are trying hard to spoil your day to accept an indoor assignment! Of course that type of shoot also can be challenging in its own way.... but in the dry!

Nobody should moan too much when they are warm and comfortable.

So it was nice to photograph the recent under 16's South Regional League Division 2 Netball inside at Beau Sejour as it was wet and windy outside. The game was between Guernsey Panthers v Rushmoor.

I won't bother you with the difficulty working under low level artificial lights as I know you really couldn't give a damn!!

However if you want to see the pics they are here:
CLICK TO VIEW U16 NETBALL_GUERNSEY PANTHERS v RUSHMOOR

It was a pleasure being a supporter of Guernsey Raiders when they played National Two East visitors North Walsham Vikings.

There had been little to impress with Raiders recent form but they certainly hit their stride at Footes Lane on Saturday.

Our Raiders team were motivated from the start and looked in a different class to the opposition. When I say that the final score of 58-17 didn't record the possible total as several conversion attempts hit the post you know that we had the game under control.

Perhaps the only disappointment was that North Walsham even scored seventeen as we let a few of their efforts count near the end of the game.

Let's hope the Raiders momentum is carried into the next games.

I've added a Gallery featuring the action:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW RAIDERS v NORTH WALSHAM PICS

I'm sure I'm simply re-stating some previous Blog when I say this... but that must mean it's true, surely?

But I do love my job when it involves spending time on a beach... on a bright and sunny day. Add into the mix a bit of motorsport photography and the noises and smells that go with this sport and I've ticked most of the boxes!

I was down at Chouet Beach for the return of the Guernsey Autocross Winter Championship. There is always a summer break for those who just like to lay around on the white sands. But as Autumn arrives it's the petrol heads who reclaim the beach... at least for a few hours on occasional Sundays!

It was Round 1 of the new Winter Championship and you can view the pics I captured of the action here:

CLICK TO VIEW ROUND 1 OF THE NEW AUTOCROSS WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP

Jersey's Grouville visited North Field for the Jeremie Cup Quarter Final and produced a dominant performance to give them a five - two win over Northerners.

To be fair Northeners looked confident and made good play during the first half but after a red card the ten men lost all momentum.

So that's the end of the North's Jeremie Cup ambitions for 2022.

I captured some of the action. Follow this link to view my pics:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF NORTH v GROUVILLE