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Cent. Herts. Finals Day 2000 |
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It was a fine autumnal day and I arrived just as play started. The scene was lit by a
low sun casting long shadows on parts of the terrain that were lit leaving the rest in gloom.
At times this gave players a problem in even seeing the coch -- it also gave me an excuse for
problems in shooting the action.
The Final was between the Axemen from the Woodman, Chapmore End and the Rose & Crown 'C', Aston. I hope I was not too intrusive as I tried to get a few action shots. I had to rely on the shadowy light as I could hardly use the flash! |
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Of course, as I don't know the intended trajectory of any boule I have to take a fairly wide view and then blow up a small section as in the above shots.
But when boule and eye are not close together the resultant cropping loses much of the drama:
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Above I see Mary'd turned up and spotted my lens pointing in her direction.
The writing was on the wall at the end of the triples, both having been won by the Rose & Crown. The hiatus before the doubles gave Geoff the chance to show his expertise with a rake. The sun was slowly climbing in the sky, giving an opportunity for some interesting contra-jour shots -- starting with a great foursome: |
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If I'd tried this shot earlier it would have "melted the memory" (or "fried the film" in old money).
As it rose higher, there was some interesting frontal lighting from reflection from a well raked piste. One player didn't seem to like the way the coch was thrown:
Tough luck Matey! You still have to play it!
The old question:"What do I try to do at 10m +!" That's all I've got of the play. Just a few of the prize giving, this after a BBQ lunch. First the prizes ---which were presented by Geoff. |
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So -- and I hate this bit as I always seem to get it wrong!Below are the winners of the Cup, The Rose & Crown, Ware (well - some of them)
And then the runners-up, the Axemen. Pity no-one told them to say "Mozzarella!"
I'm afraid I was begining to panic a bit as I couldn't control the 'flash' on my new camera. Read the instruction book I hear someone say. Sure! But I didn't have a week to spare!
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Whatever - I sort of lost track of which trophy was which and who won what -- but I'll do my best. This is the Shield for the winners of Division 2 being presented to the Young'uns |
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-- and this the Shield for the Runners-up being presented to the Axemen |
I had a major problem with this next one. I believe it to be the shield for the winner of Division 1, The Woodentops. But ----
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-- even as I took this shot, I was aware of a paparazzo!
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An offer she couldn't refuse meant she sent the photo to me rather than to Pétanque New Zealand who would have
drummed me out for wearing those colours!
(I really must get rid of that Oz hued tracksuit) So thanks Lass -- and nice photo! |
| I have one photo of which I'm more than a little uncertain. Since a plate is involved, I can ony assume it must be "The Plate" and the trio must represent the George & Dragon 'A'. |  |
I show this photo full size as it records two people without whom this League would not run!
Well done the pair of you!