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My heart raced as we neared the pitch. I felt that familiar beat of excitement and pure adrenaline that courses through me every time I’m within close proximity of a rugby pitch.
“Would you like to watch some rugby this weekend?“.
Those words from him sounded more like an invitation to an exclusive retreat in the Maldives (which I’d like to try someday). After hopping around and bobbing my head like a kid, “Yes!” finally escaped me.
A couple missed turns took us several miles through the tunnel each way but we reached Årsta where there were two fields and a handful of spectators who shared the same crazy passion for this bloodsport.
Kicking off my shoes, I shuttled along the touch line, following every passing ball, ruck, maul, scrum, and line out, camera in tow. Everyone else was sitting on the bleachers. We watched the Stockholm Exiles take on Enköping in a semi-haphazard game that saw both teams hand over power to each other every five minutes. Couple players went down. They shook it off and jumped right back in – in true form.
Like savoring the last bite of chocolate mousse, I didn’t want it to end.
Though officially retired from the hooligan sport played by gentlemen (and women), I can easily be lured back into playing.
Read the Exiles’ post-game report.
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Comments (4)
Lola- What amazing photos! It seems like you’re right in the midst of the game. I especially love the feature photo and the photo of the player in the air with his hands just touching the ball. What a perfect moment to capture– that’s what the photographer lives for! Amazing work, as always… and I could definitely relate to the last bit of chocolate mousse line.
I’m actually a HUGE fan of Australian Rules Football. It’s fast, furious and combines, Euro/American football w/Rugby elements. Good stuff!
Wow, great photos, I love the first one and the second the last ones the best. I swear you were a little closer than standing on the side line.
Thanks guys!
I absolutely love this sport and wish more people discovered it. There’s such a community within rugby. Its the one sport I know where I could literally walk into a rugby pub anywhere on earth and instantly be accepted just for the love of it!