Ben Foden scores, Northampton Saints vs Benetton Treviso, 12 December 2009
As we move into the new year, Saints are looking good in all competitions. I enjoyed shooting the Heineken Cup match against Benetton Treviso – Saints didn’t play particularly well yet still gathered the five points. Foden and Ashton are playing so well together and seeing them both score so many tries is great to see as a supporter and as a photographer. The light wasn’t great but I still managed to bag some good shots particularly the one above. Synchronised try scoring is a new one on me!
I decided to take a couple of weeks off as Saints went on their travels to Treviso and Worcester. I was very sad to miss the Worcester match in particular as I love shooting at Sixways. The match in Italy was an amazing feat of determination – I received a text from Chris Wearmouth telling me that the pitch was covered in deep snow and the digger had been summoned. Chris joined in with both sets of coaching staff to clear the pitch and get the match away only an hour an half late. We watched from the UK – with DrT on the edge of our seats as Saints really didn’t get going but still won the match.
The Sixways match was also on TV so again we were on the edge of our seats as Worcester huffed and puffed but couldn’t get past the Saints defence. Then the Ashton and Foden show took over as Foden put Ashton in for a lovely try. A few minutes later, Foden crashed over himself and in the dying minutes, Phil Dowson made sure of the match. One thing I do like about watching the game on TV is I can shout, I can’t do that as a photographer and I do miss it sometimes.
Next up it’s London Irish and 2nd plays 3rd in the Guinness Premiership – how far we have come since those cold days at Esher. Happy New Year and bring it on!
