Shane Geraghty, Northampton Saints vs Aironi Viadana, August 2010

Friday was an exceptionally busy day – we left Fife at 5.30am and headed south for the first two matches of the season. I was looking forward to being behind a lens again and the two matches I shot didn’t let me down.

First up was the Academy playing against Leinster U19s – I had the 400mm on the D3 whilst my daughter Becca had the D700 with the 70-200mm. Becca has just started to take a proper interest in photography and she was very excited to be pitchside. The weather was great and the light very easy to work with. The Leinster lads were a skillful bunch who worked hard at the breakdown and were ahead at the end of the first half. The Saints boys put up a fantastic fight and came back to win with three lovely tries in the second half. I am pleased with the photos I took and they can be found here.

I know there are several parents who would like photos – if you would like to contact me at photos@redhatphoto.com I will get the photos to you.

Ben Nutley, Northampton Saints Academy vs Leinster U19s, August 2010

Then it was on to the main event – the ground looked a picture and I had a great time – firstly in front of the Sturtridge Pavilion and then the newly named Burrda Stand (which will always be the South stand for me). In the first half, I had both cameras and so had to get used to juggling them again. I was hopeless for the first 15 minutes or so – I missed Ashton’s first try. But gradually I got back into the swing again. In the second half, DrT took over the D700 – I think he now knows how hard it is to get a decent image in such poor light with the players moving so quickly. My photos can be found in this gallery.

The Saints team played well against a feisty Aironi pack – I thought the front row were particularly strong and the back row has gained an exceptionally skillful addition in Tom Wood. Chris Ashton scored two lovely tries teaming up beautifully with Ben Foden for the second try. It is quite clear that Courtney Lawes has been given additional responsibilities since the departure of Kruger – he did really well, dominating the line out and working hard in the lose. He scored two very powerful tries. It all bodes very well for the season.

See you for the big one next week:)

Chris Ashton, Northampton Saints vs Aironi Viadana, August 2010

I am delighted to announce that this season’s chosen charity will be the Rugby Players’ Association Benevolent Fund. The RPA Benevolent Fund, The Players’ Charity, was established in 2001 (as the PRA Benevolent Fund) to provide financial support for players who have been forced to retire from the game due to serious injury or illness, and support players’ families in the event of their untimely death. As an increasing number of players suffer career ending injury, it is imperative that the Benevolent Fund continues to grow. Through the generous support of businesses, rugby supporters and the players themselves, the RPA Benevolent Fund has been able to raise thousands of pounds each year to help players and their families who are in need.

Through the RPA Benevolent Fund players receive assistance with essential medical costs and provide a support network which the player or family can turn to for help, advice or encouragement. As an increasing number of players become casualties of the professional era, it is vital that the Benevolent Fund continues to grow.

All the proceeds from my work will be going to this great cause. Details on how to buy my photos can be found on this page. If you would like to make a direct donation, follow this link for details

Claire Jones
August 2010

Roger Wilson on the charge, Northampton Saints vs Saracens, May 2010

It was a lovely day at the Gardens – it was a cracking game but it just didn’t quite happen for the men in GB&G. There will be many ifs, buts and maybes and it was a sad end to a great season. As it turned out, the final between Saracens and Tigers was a cracker with Dan Hipkiss scoring an amazing try in the dying seconds of the game when Saracens must have thought they had won it.

When I look back on the season, I can see a lot has changed. The Saints have moved on and their ambition is to win major silverware – we’ve moved on from hope, there is now an expectation that this young team will progress to the big stage. The recruitment policy clear – young, ambitious players who have international aspirations and want to work for Messrs Mallinder and West. It will be fascinating to watch how this team progresses in the coming years.

I progressed too – I now have all the kit I could possibly want and I am thoroughly enjoying learning how to get the best out of it. This summer I have entered my first competitions and am intrigued to see how my work will get on. Next season, I need to kick on – I need to get more consistent, be clearer what I want from a game rather than let it happen to me. And of course, I need to get raising as much money as I can for my charitable cause.

I can’t wait for the new season – the Heineken Cup draw sees Saints going to Edinburgh, Cardiff and Castres. A tasty group and some new places to visit. First up is the new Sevens competition at the end of July at the Gardens. The season is barely over and the new one is already ramping up…

Have a great summer everybody – see you soon:)

Soane Tonga'uiha on the charge, London Irish vs Northampton Saints, May 2010

And so the biggest day of the season so far has arrived – Saints take on Saracens for the fifth time and with each team have beaten the other twice this season, it’s going to be a fair old tear up. Saints were back to their assured selves at the Madjeski – they scored three tries and managed to deal with the pace out wide of the London Irish backs. The highlight was Tonga’uiha’s pop pass to Kruger whilst being ‘tackled’ by two Irish players. Such guile and power demonstrated at the same time. It led to Chris Ashton scoring under the posts. 7-31 was a fair reflection of the the dominance of the Saints pack.

I was joined by Hannah Wearmouth pitchside. We had a great time taking photos of the boys – the light was flat and variable but generally good and we were able to capture some excellent action shots. After the game, we also had some excellent photo opportunities as it was Mike Catt’s last match. He’s a pro who know how to look after us photographers – I ended on the end of a group of snappers – Mike made sure everybody got their shot with him looking at them.

I think today is the most important match I have shot so far – Saints have been to two GP semi-finals away and lost both. Now we’re at the Gardens with a rested group of players who are raring to go and get their turf back and secure a place in the final at Twickenham. Sarries are now playing some brilliant rugby and have an edge to their play that will test both the Saints’ discipline and I imagine referee Wayne Barnes’ patience.

Here’s to a brilliant game of rugby:)

Jon Clarke on the charge for Saints' first try, Northampton Saints vs Saracens, April 2010

It was a funny old day – the weather was fabulous, the grass very green on the Gardens pitch and it was a full house but the atmosphere was muted. I didn’t notice at first because I was dashing about so much but as I sat at the South stand end in the first half, it became clear the ground was strangely quiet. Yes folks shouted as Saints attacked but it was if we were all frozen unable to step over the winning line. When Shane Geraghty missed the conversion, it seemed to sum up the whole day – nobody could quite take the chance of success.

The match was entertaining and I was mightily impressed by Saracens’ ability to move the ball quickly across their backline. I was less impressed by the antics off the ball. Too often Saints players were taken out so they couldn’t either receive or defend the ball. That behaviour did result in a penalty try but it went unpunished throughout the game.

I was shooting the match with a willing assistant – Hannah Wearmouth took over the short lens duties. She got stuck in and was pretty adept at following the play. She got some great action shots and captured the events leading up to Saints’ tries very well. Ironically, given my demons with the 400mm, Hannah suffered the same malaise as me. Too often she was working at around 100mm rather than making best use of the full focal length. It did mean I shot an entire match with the 400mm which was just what I needed to do – I had a ball. An example of Hannah’s work is below:

Chris Ashton is taken out - penalty try, Northampton Saints vs Saracens, April 2010

And so we go into the Irish match needing to win to be assured of a home semi-final against Saracens. Saracens meanwhile, go to Welford Road. It’s a first time for me at the Madjeski and I am looking forward to the boys getting out there and giving it a real lash. And Hannah is joining me again so it’s a big day for me with the big lens:)

Enjoy the game everybody!

Chris Ashton scores the second try of his hat trick, Northampton Saints vs Gloucester, April 2010

I enjoyed the sunshine – sitting in my usual spot at both ends of the ground, three of the Saints’ four tries were scored in front of me. I deliberately made myself use the 400mm for as long as possible. It did mean I missed the dive from Chris Ashton for his first try but I am beginning to learn when to swap and how to swap without strangling myself! The 400mm lens is a lovely lens and it is already producing some stunning results despite the ineptitude of the photographer using it.

Juandre Kruger, Bath vs Northampton Saints, April 2010

Then on Tuesday we were off to Bath – it was a long haul from work to the Recreation Ground but it was a lovely evening. I thought the lads gave it a real crack and we came so close – it also struck me how the little things can change a game. One attacking lineout that doesn’t go to plan results in Saints under pressure and two poor lineouts later a try is scored by Bath. It was an excellent game to watch and it proves that the depth in Saints’ squad is growing as a largely first team Bath didn’t overwhelm the Saints team. Yet it was a bonus point secured and another step on Saints’ progression as a team.

I think the Recreation Ground at night provides the biggest challenge to photographers – the lighting is low, uneven and the different types of lights produce an odd combination which causes the camera’s colour balance to go all over the place. Somehow I produced some reasonable shots and had to work hard with the 400mm and 70-200mm lenses available to me.

Today is the big one – win this it’s a home semi final, lose and we need to beat London Irish at the Madjeski. It’s the fourth time we have played Saracens, three of the matches will have taken place at the Gardens. Saints have to make the most of home advantage – Jim has rested a significant number of the squad yet the oldest player in the team will have played three times in a week. How Bruce Reihana keeps going is beyond me – his crunching tackle on Joe Maddock on Tuesday typifies the man. From a restart, Bruce ran 30 yards to tackle Maddock as he caught the ball. A full blooded Kiwi tackle which nearly broke Maddock in two. This was half way through the second half – 140 minutes of rugby played in 4 days and Bruce was still putting his body on the line. Amazing!

Enjoy the game everybody!

Saints front row celebrate, Munster vs Northampton Saints, April 2010

It was a stern test to take on such an experienced side as Munster – I feared for the Saints boys after the first 10 minutes. But they stuck in there and played some decent rugby to get back into the match. Thomond Park was as noisy as before though the atmosphere wasn’t quite as intense as for the game in January. In the end, Munster’s experience told and despite putting up a grand fight in the second half, Saints gave away some tries too easily.

The weather was fabulous which ironically brought it’s own challenges with the shadows across the pitch. I got to the ground in better time this time – the press room was heaving and I became quite adept at balancing my gear on my knee to put it together. I still haven’t quite got brave enough with the 400mm – I need to be much more patient and not swap to my 70-200mm too early. Too often I ended up with a series of beautiful but pointless match landscapes. I know it will come with time but it’s frustrating as I am shooting such important games.

After the match, we had a grand time – the Munster supporters are such sociable folks, keen to talk about the match and wishing us well in the Guinness Premiership. It was clear that those had been to the Gardens had had a grand time and were keen to come back. For DrT, the whole trip was a revelation – he normally detests any sort of entertainment before and after the match but the matchday experience of Limerick and Thomond Park changed his mind completely. He’s even gone into print about it – I’m intrigued when we will see his jottings in the Saints matchday programme.

Today it’s Gloucester and the chance to move a step nearer the big prize of a home-semi final in the Guinness Premiership. I can’t wait to see these two play each other again – the LV= Cup final was a cracker. Enjoy the game everybody:)

Courtney Lawes welcomes Joe Simpson back to the Guinness Premiership, Northampton Saints vs London Wasps, March 2010

London Wasps have been the benchmark for the best in the Guinness Premiership and whilst they may not have had the best of seasons, they still represent a challenge for any team. They welcomed back Tom Rees and Joe Simpson from injury – the pair of them added some needed fizz in the midfield. Saints welcomed back from England duty Hartley, Foden and the irrepressible Chris Ashton whilst Euan Murray returned from a fine Scottish win against the Irish.  Saints were again on Sky which I like as I can always find out which way the teams are playing – the Sky team are really helpful. The big lens was ready for action and I took a brave pill to get much closer to the action. It was an exceptionally close match which Saints did well to win – we’re becoming much more streetwise than we used to be and it’s paying off against the bigger teams. Downey’s subtle running prevented Varndell getting to Roger Wilson. As a result Roger was in for the try. For me the fact that the following week Wasps demolished London Irish proves that the win at FG that this Saints team can beat the best.

I think my brave pill worked – there were photos I just wouldn’t have taken a few months ago with my junior lenses. It is much harder to keep on the action and not go for the wider angle shot. I can see it is going to take me a good six months before I can reliably get the photos I want. I haven’t yet got a reliable routine for swapping cameras and as a result I have nearly strangled myself twice! But I got a crop of photos that I was pleased with.

Phil Dowson, Leeds Carnegie vs Northampton Saints, April 2010

The trip to Leeds was a real treat – our friends the Townleys came too. Their eldest son Henry was Saints mascot for the day and was bowled over by it all.  I was rather over dressed for the occasion – the weather decided to be beautiful whilst I was dressed for Arctic conditions. Saints just needed to win and that’s exactly what they did – Leeds did well in the first half and defended for their lives in the second. The Headingley pitch is a mess and had been narrowed so Saints’ usual wide game was negated. Ben Foden scored a lovely try to secure the win. I again took my brave pill and the resulting shots of the likes of Dowson (see above), I think came out rather well. All in all I was pleased with the results.

Next up it’s the big one and a trip back to Thomond Park – Saints know they left a win in Limerick in January. Many of the younger players have since experienced more big games with Saints and England so will know what to expect. I can’t wait to get back there with the big lens – the weather forecast looks great so here’s to some fabulous rugby and brilliant photographs:)

Neil Best on the charge, Northampton Saints vs Gloucester, 21 March 2010

It’s been a joy and privilege to shoot the Saints since that first match against London Welsh. I’ve now shot three finals and Saints have won them all – the best by far was the LV= Cup match against Gloucester. Both teams went out to attack and played some brilliant rugby – each time Gloucester went ahead, the Saints pinned them back. Neil Best had his best game in the GB&G whilst his back row partners Dowson and Wilson were rampaging all over that Sixways pitch with him. Brett Sharman continues to develop at a rate of knots – his charging runs and great work in the scrum providing a platform for the Saints to gain control. Brian Mujati is impressing more and more and of course there was Soane Tonga’uiha. Soane was imperious in the lose – his 70 yard charge down the pitch was a joy to behold, as the big man grinned as he out sprinted James Simpson-Daniel.

The big lens went well on its first outing. I have have a lot to learn about working with a fixed length lens with such a shallow depth of field. The photo at the top of this post is an example of one my efforts. I was pleased to see how fast it focuses but I need to be more confident sticking with it and not swapping to the short lens too soon.  When Phil Dowson lifted the trophy, I was again on the pitch in a not too bad position to get some decent shots – the 24-70mm gave me some nice flexibility and I got some lovely wide angle shots of the team celebrating.

It means that Saints will be back in the Heineken Cup next season – I really enjoy the drama and scale of the Heineken and given how well Saints have gone this year can’t wait to start it all over again.

Today it’s Wasps who have a number of key players returning from injury – Joe Simpson is a fine player as is club captain Tom Rees. I hope Saints continue to play a positive game and go after Wasps – it was an excellent game last year and here’s hoping for a good one today!

Roger Wilson and Phil Dowson on the charge, Northampton Saints vs Saracens, March 2010

The LV= Cup is an odd competition with a precious prize at the end of it – a Heineken Cup place. Saints have taken it very seriously from the start and went into the semi-final as the only club to have won all its games in the competition. This included beating Saracens in the pool game and so we went into the semi-final with high hopes. As with the semi-final in the ECC last year, Saracens tried to generate some passion in their supporters by holding a rally in the car park beforehand and ‘marching’ on the Gardens. We followed the marchers to the stadium and it just looked a bit naff. I still don’t get the skulls and somebody ought to explain that it was highly unlikely that a Saracen wore chainmail in the Crusades. What it’s got to with rugby is beyond me…

Saracens run of form hasn’t been great of late and there have been rumblings of discontent at Vicarage Road about the style of rugby Dr Venter is asking his team to play. So it really shouldn’t have been a surprise when Hougaard attempted a drop goal from the half way line with 25 seconds on the clock. I was quite grateful because I was dashing about the stadium try to get to my position in front of the Tetley’s stand. Saints played controlled rugby and punished Saracens transgressions which were many. Saracens held the lead til just before half time but when Saints went ahead there was no looking back. Tries from Diggin, Mujati and Neil Best sealed a final place. Best’s produced the comedy moment of the day when in the act of scoring he took out the referee. Sir appeared to give the try lying down.

I struggled with the light - the floodlights were on for the entire game but my 80-400mm lens small aperture meant I was pushing the ISO very hard all day. I gave up in the second half and went to the 70-200mm lens with its f2.8 aperture. This meant I got the speed back but only for plays very close to me. However, this weekend it won’t be a problem because I am now the very proud owner of a 400mm f2.8 lens – no more excuses for me now. I have everything I need and just need to get my head down and get on with it.

Tomorrow Saints meet Gloucester in the final – Gloucester were in the final last year and were beaten very heavily. This season has been a tough one for them but since Christmas they have shown some form and have dragged themselves up the Guinness Premiership table. I think the match is going to be a cracker – Jim has played a blinder putting Geraghty at full back. Of course losing Ashton, Hartley and Foden to England has had a big impact but these days we have some very high quality back-up. The pack looks so tasty and the backline has pace. I can’t wait – bring it on!!