England triumphant over Sri Lanka
England's Jade Dernbach celebrates taking the final wicket to secure victory, with captain Alastair Cook at Old Trafford
The final match in the Natwest one day series between England and Sri Lanka, held at Manchester’s Old Trafford ground, was to be the decider. The day started much like any other in this glorious city – grey! Upon opening the curtains this morning, I was presented with spots of rain on the window and a glum feeling in the pit of my stomach. It felt like it was going to be one of those days. Having not done much cricket this summer, and no internationals at all, I had been quite looking forward to it.
The weather forecast on BBC Breakfast cheered me up a little, predicting possible showers early on (which wasn’t news!) then to brighten up around lunch. Sadly, the prediction turned out to be wrong. It’d brightened up before the toss. Win.
England won said toss, and opted to bat first. As a photographer, this is usually the desired option. UK newspapers will naturally be after England action shots, and having them bat first means that you can get a decent variety out early on in the day. Leaving you to only have to deal (hopefully!) with the celebratory shots at the end of the day.
The home side started strongly with a number of half centuries and ended the innings on 268-9 after completing their full 50 overs. I was informed that this was a good effort and gave plenty for Sri Lanka to chase after the interval. Thank you BBC Sport. The teams came back out after lunch to applause from the crowd, a special amount reserved for local boy James Anderson whose county side is of course, Lancashire. Unfortunately he didn’t make too much of an impact with his bowling, but the crowd stayed behind the team and spurred them on and the wickets soon started falling. It was Jade Dernbach however who made the greatest impact, completing a catch before dropping a second but confidently sealing the victory with the final wicket. Sri Lanka were beaten by 16 runs with a score of 252 all out.
The glorious summer day ended with the perfect victory for this young England side, who must next face World Cup winning India.
A general view at Old Trafford
England's Craig Kieswetter in action at Old Trafford
England's Eoin Morgan in action at Old Trafford
St Helens v Hull – engage Super League
Hull coach Richard Agar at the Halton Stadium, Widnes
A late call on a Thursday evening from an ill colleague resulted in me having a rare Friday night working. Rugby league it was. The same rugby league that I hadn’t done any of since the season opener at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium back in February!
The tie saw mid-table Hull take on high flying St Helens. Chances are St Helens were going to walk the game at their adopted home, the Stobart Stadium in Widnes. Unfortunately for me, this meant I’d probably have a quiet game, as the clients were the papers in and around Hull! With a prospective away defeat on his hands, photographs of coach Richard Agar looking thoughtful or disappointed were a must. This can be a problem, when the only decent access you have is before the game – when spirits are usually high!
The first half saw me shooting the Hull attack with me facing the St Helens fans at the opposite end. The late summer sunshine provided a lovely warm light across the centre of the field, though the shade at my end was problematic with backlit exposures! More problems with backlighting in the second half was partially fixed with moving ten feet to my right, but still caused issues with silhouetting. Though when the lighting worked, it worked nicely, casting a golden glow across the pitch.
St Helens wrapped up the tie with a 28 – 14 victory way before time despite a late consolation try from Joe Westerman, converted by Tom Briscoe. The suspected quiet game didn’t disappoint, but what action there was, was at least fairly decent.
Hull's Joe Westerman is tackled by Saint's Jonny Lomax at the Halton Stadium, Widnes
Hull's Sam Moa is tackled by Saint's James Roby and James Graham at the Halton Stadium, Widnes
Lancashire’s start to the FLT20 series
Lancashire’s twenty20 season opened with mixed blessings. An early draw against Derbyshire Falcon’s was followed up with a home and away victory over Worcestershire Royals and Leicestershire Foxes, respectively. The momentum was not maintained however, and they have now clocked up two successive home defeats. Firstly an immediate response from the foxes, then Yorkshire in the ‘Battle of the Roses’. Both lost in the final two balls.
Storm clouds gather at Old Trafford
Yorkshire's Ryan Sidebottom celebrates securing victory over Lancashire at Old Trafford
Yorkshire's Richard Pryah attempts to run out Lancashire's Luke Proctor at Old Trafford
Lancashire's Stephen Moore in action at Old Trafford
Lancashire's Luke Proctor is bowled out by Worcestershire's Jack Shantry at Old Trafford
Michael Holding & Rainbows Hospice
..and here we are, finally, Leicester! For those that haven’t chronologically followed, earlier in the day, I had been to Chester for the British Red Cross. The benefactor for this job was however, another charity, Rainbows Hospice. Colorsport had a table at the event and I had been assigned the duty of photographing the evening. With a number of cricketing related guests, including Dickie Bird and Peter Bowler aside the star, West Indian fast bowler Michael Holding.. there was much to be captured!
Michael Holding talks to the audience
Michael Holding shares a joke with Geoff Miller
Michael Holding and umpire Dickie Bird with the Colorsport team
Manchester United Parade
As I closed in on Manchester, from the Sheffield direction over the A628 Woodhead Pass (which just happens to be my favourite road) I could see the weather deteriorating quickly. Welcome home, Phil! Compounded by the early morning drive back from London where I had been at the Champions League final (in which, United had been defeated by Barcelona) and London Legends over the weekend, my heart began to sink. I hadn’t been properly rained on all season, and was rather hoping that this would extend to the final day of my personal season. The Manchester United home coming parade, with the Premier League trophy. It wasn’t to be.
Would I turn up at the Cathedral starting point to find a few damp squibs of supporters, who had braved the rain and early bank holiday start? Would it be cancelled? Just a couple of the many fears I was facing. Thankfully, I needed not worry.
I parked up at Deansgate Locks, making use of the free bank holiday parking in the city centre. Arriving just under an hour before the start, I was a little worried at it being so easy to actually find a space, but I could spot a good number of fans piling out of Deansgate railway and Metrolink stations. I decided on following the majority of them right down Deansgate to the Cathedral so I could take some fan related shots and then the team on the bus in the first minute or so of their journey, where I thought they would be at their most boisterous. Needless to say, by the time I’d reached the start I was as wet as brave fans in the pictures below!
Manchester United fans brave the rain outside Manchester Cathedral on Deansgate, Manchester
Fans brave the rain on Deansgate, Manchester
Next to do, was to decide which side of Deansgate to get a spot on. The eastern side would give me the earliest shots of the team bus, whereas the western side would give me better backgrounds, with the Cathedral and prettier architectural delights of the route through the city. The western side it was. On the whole, a good decision, thought it did mean I was blocked by the curve in the road for the opening explosion of confetti.. alas, I was not the only one, having spotted colleagues on the same side.
Eventually however (how slow do those buses go?) the bus creeped into view and I was blessed with the view presented below. Enthusiasm had not dampened in the rain, and Rio Ferdinand was in full control of the mic! The crowd were being spurred on to sing and chant by each and every team member. Some were clearly enjoying it, whilst others found the direct attention every so slightly embarrassing!
Bebe, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Nani celebrate with the trophy on Deansgate, Manchester
I followed the bus and the crowd back down Deansgate. Partly to get more shots, and partly because I’d parked the car back down by the Beetham Tower and the Locks. Having done so proved to be fruitful, as Edwin van der Sar pretended to drop the trophy in true Sergio Ramos style, much to the shock of his team mates.. soon followed by the realisation of the prank!
Edwin van der Sar of Manchester United pretends to drop the trophy on Deansgate, Manchester
Javier Hernandez, Edwin Van Der Sar and Patrice Evra laugh on Deansgate, Manchester
As the bus passed under the railway bridge and onto Chester Road, I left the party for the relative dry and warmth of my car to edit and wire pictures out to newspapers. All this action and it was still only 10.30am! The rest of the day was spent as a bank holiday should, in front of the telly with good food, and good beer, but I could rest assured that my work was done.
UEFA Europa League Final 2011
General view of the 'Dublin Arena'
The first major final of the season for myself was to be the UEFA Europa League final. It was to be contested by the two Portuguese teams, FC Porto and Sporting Braga at the temporarily renamed ‘Dublin Arena’. Something to do with sponsorship rules, apparently.
The day began at home in Manchester, with an alarm call at 6.30am. I was to be travelling with a small group of other photographers over to Dublin on the ferry from Holyhead, which naturally meant an early rise and pick up. We were to get the early morning ferry, in anticipation of any problems on the other side, what with HRH the Queen also visiting Dublin. A case of great minds think alike? Probably not. In fact, probably the exact opposite, on our part.
Had either of the two British teams involved in the competition made the final, one can only begin to imagine the possible chaos that would have ensued. Both Manchester City and Liverpool crashed out in the round of 16, against Dynamo Kiev and eventual finalists Sporting Braga, respectively. Upon arriving at the ferry terminal however, it soon became clear that there were small factions of each fan set than had believed their teams could make the final and had bought tickets on their release. Their early morning faces were covered with regret.
The ferry ride was highly uneventful on the whole, the highlight being fleeced almost €7 for a bacon and sausage muffin (bap, barm, roll, cob…). Still, it felt like almost €7 well spent at the time. You can’t put a price on a half decent breakfast! Disembarking in Dublin, we opted for a minibus straight to the stadium to hopefully avoid any Queen related road closures.
Collecting our accreditation was the first task on arriving at the AVI.. ‘Dublin Arena’. UEFA had kindly taken over a school gym to accommodate the masses expected. Needless to say, there was no queue, just a gaggle of disappointed photographers who thought they’d struck gold having packed their speedos and seen the signage for ‘swimming pool’. I jest. Passes collected, we headed all the way back round the stadium to the media entrance.
Once inside, and having dumped our bags, there was a visit to the lovely chaps at Canon Professional Services who were kind enough to clean my two 1D Mark III bodies, and even kindlier lend me a Canon 500mm f4 IS for the evening. Aside picking our assigned photo positions there wasn’t too much to do until the hour before kick off, and so entertained myself with a 5D Mark II and 15mm f2.8.
Andre Villas Boas manager of FC Porto at the Dublin Arena
Kick off! Well, almost. Having hauled enough gear outside to open my own outlet, the first task was to set up. I had my usual two cameras, with long and short lenses on, and I had planned to put out my remote camera too, behind the goal. On top of these everyday preparations, we had also been provided with power and a hard wired internet connection. For both we had to liaise with the UEFA technicians that had been assigned to each of the four corners, though it wasn’t long before I had a plug socket and ethernet cable right by my seat – a decent seat, provided. Yet another novelty of a major final!
One name that had been specifically pointed out in my brief had been that of the FC Porto manager, Andre Villas Boas. Dubbed as ‘the new Jose Mourinho’ he is expected to arrive in England in the not too distant future, and so images of him both before, during and following the game would be of value. I took the decision to focus on him almost exclusively during our allotted time at the dug outs as the national anthems were played, and the team photos were done. It turned out to be a wise choice, as he opted to sit down almost immediately, leaving the variety of shots slim on the ground.
Lima of Sporting Braga almost catches Radamel Falcao Garcia of FC Porto with a high challenge at the Dublin Arena
Radamel Falcao Garcia of FC Porto kisses the trophy at the Dublin Arena
So finally, almost 13 hours after setting off, the referee’s whistle blew and the match kicked off. The game was one sided on the whole, in the favour of FC Porto. This, in the first half, proved to be a nightmare with what turned out to be the only goal scored at the opposite end. Porto’s Radamel Falcao Garcia, picture above, was the scorer. This set in motion planning for the second half, which included both massive amounts of concentration, and a lot of hoping. Concentration, was possible despite tiredness setting in. Hope was for another goal in the second half. It didn’t come.
The final whistle blew and Porto were confirmed as UEFA Europa League champions. I still needed to get the shot of goalscorer Falcao Garcia in joyous celebration and this preyed on my mind during the trophy presentation and lap of honour. Concentration paid off and the shot was achieved. I managed to snap him up close kissing the trophy. Job done.
Not quite. There were now around 1200 frames to sift through, edit and wire out the best of the best. Celebration shots were amongst the more important and were done immediately pitch side. Looking upon the mass of camera bodies, lenses, laptops, cables and other unidentified paraphernalia with a certain amount of disdain, the packing up had to begin. Do you ever get that feeling that you are missing something, despite having lost nothing? Well, that is a feeling that isn’t uncommon on the best of days for myself, and this evening it was somewhat exacerbated.
Back in the media working area, the borrowed equipment was speedily returned (wouldn’t want a bill for a Canon 500 f4 dropping through my letter box!) and then the more in depth edit began. Challenges, yellow cards, free kicks, reactions.. these were my first target, followed by stock imagery of single players. Time flew by, ever so slowly. Even my joke about a particular library book got a laugh. 3am was soon knocking at the door, and kicking out time was upon us all.
The ferry home wasn’t until 8.45am, it was a long and slow walk back to the terminal. Some of us managed 10 to 15 minutes worth of sleep on the cold floor, the rest sat staring into space or watching the clock tick on by. The extra €16 for Club Class on the return leg turned out to be the best investment of the trip. No noisy children, unlimited self service cold breakfast and beverages. It was a little luxury on another wise long and tiring 24 hours away. Sometimes you just have to push the boat out..
FC Porto celebrate victory at the Dublin Arena
Clubs For Young People – Indoor football
Charity Clubs for Young People commissioned me to create images for their Gillette sponsored 5 a side football finals, at the Trafford Park Soccer Dome, Manchester.
Football outdoors during winter can be difficult enough, but indoors during the winter.. touching on impossible! Light was in short supply before kick off, and come the final whistle creative use of wide angle shots were the best bet for capturing the action.
Ireland v Norway – International Friendly
Another visit to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland saw me covering the international friendly between Ireland and Norway. Whilst this trip was 50% shorter than last, it was 100% more damp. It rained. Not to worry though, rain adds to the pictures I think!
The match itself started off at a pace, with two first half goals, one from each side. However following the break it took another 40 minutes to break the deadlock when Erik Huseklepp put a shot past Manchester City keeper Shay Given to seal victory.
KKS Lech Poznan v Manchester City – UEFA Europa League
A trip out to Poland to follow Manchester City in their Europa League campaign – lovely! Flying in to Krakow the day before allowed me some time in quite possibly my favourite city in the world, then the following morning was an 8 hour train ride to compete with, and the return leg immediately after the game for my flight home the next morning. I shared much of the journey with a small number of travelling fans, the 3-1 defeat and lack of sleep really was showing on the trip home.. myself certainly included in that.
The game itself was a frustrating one, and very quiet on the action front. An equaliser from Emmanuel Adebayor lifted spirits for a short time but Poznan’s second and third goals sealed the fate for Roberto Mancini’s side, whom still need points for qualification to the knock out stages.
Slovakia v Ireland – Euro 2012 Qualifier
Another trip overseas for the second of the international games this week took me to Slovakia’s town of Zilina which was to play host to the Irish. Having changed the venue to MSK Zilina’s Stadion Pod Dubon from Bratislava, an extra 4 hours travelling was added on to an already tight schedule.. but I made it with an hour and a half to spare! Perfect.
Having capitalised on an early chance and taking the lead, Slovakia equalised by half time and neither team could break the deadlock in the second half despite Ireland coming close on numerous occasions. A frustrating end for both teams.
Ireland v Russia – Euro 2012 Qualifier
Dublin was the destination over this domestic football break for the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying tie between Ireland and Russia. As always though, it wasn’t just about the football.. much craic was waiting to be enjoyed, and Dublin didn’t disappoint.
The game itself was mostly one sided, with Russia opening up a lead of 0-3 without reply, until Ireland managed what seemed a consolation goal in the late stages of the game. Spurred on by a rapturous home crowd Ireland dominated late play and pulled a second goal back, but despite many late chances the point couldn’t be salvaged and Russia took all three with a 2-3 win at the AVIVA Stadium.
Next stop, Slovakia!
St Helens v Wigan Warriors – engage Super League Grand Final
The season drew to an end with the engage Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford, Manchester this evening. A sell out 72,000 strong crowd cheered on both sides – although Wigan had the larger following, which showed during play with them edging out a 22-10 victory.
The game marked the final appearance for St Helen’s captain Keiron Cunningham, and with a celebrity appearance from Manchester’s own Diana Vickers to get proceedings under way.. it was going to be a busy night!
Lancashire v Nottinghamshire – LV= CC
Only a dramatic turn in events in other games, could have possibly given Nottinghamshire a chance at the title – but come they did! Results elsewhere meant that reaching 400 runs, and taking 3 Lancashire wickets would secure the title of champions.
Once the 400 marker had been reached, the sides quickly swapped around and Lancashire came out to bat, but their heart was clearly not in it, and the 3 required wickets fell in quick succession!
England v Pakistan – Natwest 2nd ODI
An early morning drive up to the Headingley Stadium in Leeds was not something I was looking forward to on a Sunday, but with the weather proving to be better than expected, and a near enough unlimited supply of a branded stimulant drink on hand.. it wasn’t too bad!
The second one day international involving Pakistan against England was still to be somewhat overshadowed by the on going cricketing crisis. A recent name to be interviewed by police was spared active duty.
The game itself was a closely fought affair, with England pipping Pakistan to victory within the last few remaining balls. Andrew Strauss had a notable innings, earning himself another one day century.
Nottinghamshire v Yorkshire – LV= CC
The first cricket I’ve done in a little while, with the football season back under way! Being played on a Thursday, attendance wasn’t great and so backgrounds became a problem.. ‘fixed’ by moving up the stands into the gods. Shooting down on to the game hides the empty seats and gives an alternate angle focused on the action (or at least that’s my justification!).
Once some late stragglers arrived I shot back down at pitch side towards the newly inhabited pavilion end. The third day of a possible four, but with Nottinghamshire having a poor first innings, the game was wrapped up nicely before tea with Yorkshire taking a 5 wicket victory.
UK Youth Athletics League Finals
I spent the weekend at Manchester’s Sport City athletics track, with Action Replay Photography to cover the UK Youth Athletics League Finals. Teams from throughout the UK were involved over the two days, with many future hopeful medal winning athletes participating.
Photographs may be purchased directly from Action Replay Photography
England v Pakistan – nPower test match
The nPower England v Pakistan series kicked off in Nottingham at Trent Bridge today. The first of four test matches to be held. A shaky start by England was soon forgotten as Irishman Eoin Morgan clocked up his century, which was finally rounded off with his one day speciality, a straight six.
Warwickshire v Hampshire – FPt20
The first of the Friends Provident twenty 20 quarter finals fixtures was hosted at Edgbaston this evening. It managed to survive the showers dotted around the midlands and passed without delay. Light was quite scarce though, but got brighter as the game went on.
The tie proved to be an exciting fixture, with James Vince clocking up 66 runs, the last of which came with the last ball of the evening to win the game by 1 run.
Pakistan v Australia – MCC Spirit of Cricket Test – Day Three
Some images from my final day at the test match – it could have been the last day full stop, with Pakistan ending it with only 40 runs needed, alas, it rolled over in to the Saturday which I could not make!
Pakistan v Australia – MCC Spirit of Cricket Test – Day Two
Some action from day two at Headingley, Leeds.
Pakistan v Australia – MCC Spirit of Cricket Test – Day One
The latest clash between these two visiting countries comes in the form of a 5 day test match, hosted by Yorkshire CCC at Headingly, Leeds. Having been out in the rain the previous night at Preston v Blackburn, I made sure not to be caught out again by going a little over prepared.. so much so I had to lose a few layers when the sun came out!
Australia opted to bat having won the toss, a decision they soon came to regret. Bowled out for 88 runs. One of their worst innings in recent test history. The rain eventually came, and stopped play for the day with Pakistan leading by a good 45+ runs for the loss of 3 wickets.. more to come tomorrow!
Lancashire v Nottinghamshire – FPt20
An electric (literally) atmosphere in Manchester on this damp Wednesday evening didn’t set a good precedent for a game of cricket. A precedent that duly turned to reality when the heavens opened during the break, following the Outlaw’s innings. We had it all, heavy rain, light rain, thunder, lightning, more heavy rain. A quick dive for cover was executed. Eventually out came the umpires who ruled the groundsmen had done enough to preserve the wicket and play resumed with a reduced Lancashire innings.
The Lightning in Lancashire certainly lived up to their name, and wrapped up their 10 over innings with a 9 wicket victory.
Lancashire Lighting v Yorkshire Carnegie – FPt20
A dull, dark (also known as, normal) Friday evening in Manchester played host to the battle of the Roses. Lancashire v Yorkshire, in the Friends Provident twenty 20 tournament. The lighting was incredibly difficult, and almost none existent towards the end, forcing me up to ISO6400! This didn’t prove a problem for Lancashire though, winning by a 5 wicket margin.
Pakistan v Australia: International twenty 20, match two
Day two of my trip out to the midlands, and match two of the day. Also, the second match of this particular fixture, in two days. A lot of two! With Pakistan having won the first match, confidence was running high and the Australian’s were facing another series defeat. Defeat is what came, with fantastic fielding from the Pakistan side to finish the day.
