I’m pleased to say I’m sponsoring Swanley Rugby Football Club for its 2021-2022 season, extending my photographic support for a fifth year. Swanley RFC only started in 2017 but has had a meteoric rise over that short time and now plays in the Kent 2 league. I’ve been lucky enough to photograph them from the start; from the first team, the youth group that started in 2018 and the ladies squad from 2019.

This weekend saw its first match at home, playing at the Swanley Recreational Grounds against Met Police’s Hayes team in a friendly. Swanley won the match by some considerable margin (36-0) but the real winners were the team’s supporters who were able to watch local rugby for the first time in almost 18 months. It was a joy to watch the first XV play and I look forward to their next home match as well as being able to see the ladies squad, The Black Swans, play matches this season too.

As part of the day, the club had its delayed awards ceremony too. Normally it would be at the black tie event – the Oval Ball – but lockdown in April this year prevented this happening (roll on 2022 for a good knees up!) so a more informal BBQ for everyone including the youth group, meant honouring special players and members as people scoffed burgers and hot dogs. Here are a few shots from the day’s proceedings. If you have time on a Saturday to come and watch The Swans, you’d be very welcome; and if you are over 18 and looking for a chance to play competitive sport in a friendly environment, please contact the club on the Swanley RFC website.