Jonathon Harrington is clearly giving all his effort to secure the line out ball for Crusaders in their semi final match against Peterborough. I chose this image mainly because of his facial expression, the body position and the hand scooping the ball, the fall leaves behind are a bonus. Image shot with a Canon 50D and a  Canon 400mm lens.

Aimee Barret of the Womens Springboks is tackled by three opponents of the USA at a Nations Cup match. this image works for me due to the central figure being so wrapped up by her opponents yet she clearly is not giving up the ball. True commitment. Image shot with a canon 50D and Canon 500mm lens.

The South African flanker coming over the ruck to grab the ball from our Canadian scrum half. The image shows both ladies detemination in a peak action moment. Image shot with a Canon 50D and Canon 500mm lens.

Like jaguars on their prey, a totally committed pair of Argentine tacklers on the BC center during their ARC game. Note that only the attacking player has one foot on the ground. Image shot with a Canon 50D and Canon 500mm lens.

Michael Coldwells (my son) with his eye on the try line in a friendly match between teo of the Crusaders U12 teams. The focus on the goal line is clealry evident. Image shot with a Canon 50D and Canon 200mm lens.

As we started singing the Canadian anthem at the Canada vs Wales game, a flock of Canada Geese flew overhead in extended formation, honking. The image shows our boys dutifuly singing while the Welsh lads are somewhat amused. By the rule of thirds compositional element, this image is text book, with dramatic sky and flying geese at the top third line and colourful uniforms at the bottom third line to make a good visual counterpoint. The fact that nature was giving us a rare moment was a true bonus. Image shot with a Canon 30D and Canon 17-40mm lens.

South Africa's Natasha Hoffmeester evades a French tackler at the Nations Cup. The attacking runners power and speed are in focus with the evaded tackler left reaching. Image shot with a Canon 50D and Canon 500mm lens.

The hand off. The body positions of the two main players here make this image. They are both finely poised and just barely in balance. The attacking player has managed to use his momentum to drive the defender off his feet while protecting the ball. The defending flanker at center frame is pursuing a second phase opportunity. Image shot with a Canon 50D and Canon 500mm lens.

Nathan Hirayama at the completion of his kicking ritual as the ball has left the fram but he is still in the follow through and is watching its flight towards the posts. Technically this image works as he is clearly in focus, in the right hand third of the image, with complimentary signage behind him adn the tournament signage identifying when this occured. Image shot with a Canon 50D and Canon 500mm lens.

The attacking player (Whitey) charging the line and lining up on the Argentine defender. Note the evident tension in the BC coaching crew as they will him onwards. Image shot with a Canon 50D and Canon 500mm lens.

The French #8 is tackled by her US opposing number. Her forward momentum , flying hair and the rain drops make this image. Image shot with a Canon 50D and Canon 500mm lens.

Brooke Hilditch about to slip the first tackler in the Nations Cup final against England in the pouring rain. Brooke's power is highlighted as is the support of her fellow player. This image shows classic body position of the attacker and seems to expose the defender who is reaching out but seems one step short of an ideal aangle with which to arrest the attackers forward motion. The subsequent images show this to be the case as the England flanker utlimately engages Brooke to bring her down after she evades the first contact. Image shot with a Canon 50D and 500mm lens.