The final weekend of the National League 1 season saw Dings Crusaders host Birmingham Moseley at Shaftesbury Park on Saturday, 26th April 2025.

In a lively start, Moseley struck within the first minute, scoring a breakaway try that immediately put Dings on the back foot. Despite a strong response from the home side, Moseley continued to capitalise on their early momentum, eventually running out 47–26 winners in a match packed with attacking flair and high-tempo rugby.

As a Bristol-based sports photographer, covering local rugby fixtures like Dings Crusaders games has been a brilliant way to capture the passion and energy that grassroots and semi-professional rugby bring to the community. Shaftesbury Park provides a fantastic backdrop, and the bright but overcast conditions on Saturday made for excellent shooting conditions. The even light helped bring out the vivid colours of the kits while maintaining great detail and contrast in the action shots — perfect for capturing the speed and intensity of National League 1 rugby.

Photographing in these conditions meant focusing heavily on timing, framing, and technical precision. Using my professional Nikon equipment, I was able to react quickly to the fast-moving play and deliver sharp, high-quality images that captured every moment — from the early breakaway tries to the powerful tackles and emotional celebrations. Fast autofocus and crisp resolution were key in bringing the energy of the match to life through the lens.

Dings Crusaders put in a strong performance, scoring some brilliant tries of their own and pushing Moseley all the way despite the early setback. Both teams showed real attacking intent, and the game flowed at a brilliant pace, providing plenty of opportunities for dynamic, storytelling rugby photography.

The crowd at Shaftesbury Park once again created a fantastic atmosphere, backing the players throughout and celebrating a season full of highs, challenges, and memorable moments. It was a real privilege to be on the sidelines documenting the final game of what has been another exciting campaign.

If you're looking for a Bristol sports photographer to cover local rugby, football, or events across the South West, feel free to get in touch. Capturing the drama, emotion, and energy of sport is what I specialise in — whether it’s community matches or major tournaments.

A full gallery from Dings Crusaders vs Birmingham Moseley can be found here.