The 3 Shires Triples 2007

I managed to get to this year's Three Shires Triples held at the Ickleford Sports and Social Club. Unfortunately I could only stay a couple of hours in the morning so missed out on any idea of who got where in the competition. On arrival, two things struck me forcibly: the weather (I was at a very soggy Coates last week) and the youngsters of yesteryear - now seasoned adult players! No! He's not shooting a two metre cosh -- it's just the affect that a long lens has in shortening distances! And the three on the left were not the only young team. The three below looked pretty useful too:

They certainly look remarkably unimpressed by the line of proven players confronting them!

They practiced as soon as they got there (left). They discused their next shot (right). Then, having discussed, they acted:

I don't know how they got on in the competition, but they certainly looked as if they were enjoying it!

At the other end of the age spectrum, I was asked to measure on a couple of occasions. I wish they wouldn't do that! As a professional metrologist I used to enjoy measuring. But now I can't bend down to do it. If I kneel down I can't get up and while I'm down there my hands normally shake too much to dare touch either boule or coche. Now I that I don't play many tournaments, I just bring along my camera. It is a fond hope that I can create a library of studies of all our respected/popular/good or even characterful players. (For the record, I still enjoy life and have no intention of publishing into which catagory each study falls)

So here are two studies I managed to take this time. Mind you, none of you help! I've shot after shot where someone has walked in front of me and obscured half a superb photo. I have an equal number where I spoilt them without your aid! Wrong exposure - not in focus - camera shake - you name it - I've done it!

I managed a few action shots which I give without comment:

Which brings me to a point -- how come some players seem totally photogenic while others are almost impossible to catch? Take Alan for example. I have taken several shots of him in a variety of lighting, even with a variety of cameras. Each time I seem to get good crisp images. Note that even his boule seems photogenic! And it is not just that the boule is coming straight at the camera and hence pseudo-stationary -- it's the same when viewed sideways:

I just wish more of you were like Alan! Take poor old Matt for example.
I've tried time and time again to take a decent action shot of him but the below is the best I've achieved!:

Never mind folk
- I'll try harder next time