About the Image(s)

Since COVID calmed down to be less infectious and dangerous, Rugby 7
has resumed to be an annual international event in Hong Kong. For the
last 3 years, I presented myself to the less crowded audience on
Friday (first day opening), who would in general cause less
obstruction to photographic views. I followed general recommendations
of using an initial fast shutter speed of 1/1000 sec and then wind
down the speed to 1/800, 1/600, 1/400, 1/200 , 1/100,1/80 and
eventually reaching 1/60.
I might have omitted one or two shutter speeds for trial. My Sony
alpha 9 was fitted with a 300mm lens,using aperture of f/10,
supported on my knapsack bag , which in turn supports an air-filled
surgical glove. No tripod or monopod is allowed inside the stadium. I
panned the camera, following the rugby player aiming for touchdown,
with the central fixed focal point receiving back continuous
-focusing. With very slow shutter speed, most of the images are very
blurred. But every now and then, one gets a good sharp facial
expression of the player aiming very hard to keep the ball and to
overcome the interception for a touchdown. I would guess the
"successful" rate of a clear facial expression is perhaps 10-20%.

Figure A shows (3566) the lady player in yellow with all the facial
grimaces,her hair in focus,but the player chasing her is blurred.
Figure B shows (4611) the sharp player aiming for a touchdown with the
interceptor running at a different speed and opposite direction,
giving a blurred image.