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After more than a decade behind the lens, John Watkins has decided to hang up his camera and retire from his match-day photography duties at Dorking RFC.
For over ten years, John has been a familiar face on the touchline - in all weathers - capturing the grit, emotion and joy that define rugby at the Big Field. His photographs have documented countless moments of triumph, heartbreak and humour, helping to tell the story of our club and its people both on and off the pitch.
During that time, John estimates he’s taken and shared over 10,000 photographs, many of which have featured in our programmes, website and social channels, and countless more which have become cherished keepsakes for players, supporters and families.
As John steps back from his match-day role, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks on behalf of everyone at the club, past and present - for his professionalism, dedication and unwavering passion for the game. His contribution has helped shape the visual history of Dorking Rugby, and his work will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.
To mark his retirement, John has shared some reflections on his time photographing the club and chosen ten of his stand-out Dorking RFC photographs, each with its own story.
My 10 Standout Dorking RFC Photographs
By John Watkins
During the 10 years or so that I was taking action photos at Dorking matches I estimate that just over 10,000 have been posted online. So when asked to provide my ten favourites I initially thought that it would be a difficult task. However, it didn’t work out that way as most of the ten I had subconsciously set aside over the years.
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10 – March 2022 vs Sevenoaks (H)
In his final season, Matt Noble demonstrates his talent by rounding Pat Pellegrini before covering half the length of the pitch to score under the posts. Eighteen months later, Pellegrini would win his five minutes of fame by coming on as a substitute for Tonga and scoring a late try against the Springboks in the World Cup.
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9 – February 2022 vs Tring (H)
As an oncoming moving target gets closer to the camera so the speed of movement increases, so I was really lucky and thankful that I managed to shoot this in focus. The Tring defenders just pipped Cam Cowell to the touchdown, right at my feet.
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8 – September 2021 vs Hertford (H)
A low-flying missile! Oli Rathbone’s first game back following knee reconstruction surgery and he scored this try with virtually his first touch of the game. (Oli will be rowing across the Atlantic later this year in the Wave Wrangler boat that Elliot Awin successfully used two years ago.)
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7 – October 2019 vs Tring (A)
The irritation that Pimlow caused to the opposition meant that he was a closely marked man - like bees around a honey pot.
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6 – September 2019 vs Tunbridge Wells (A)
Coincidentally, the second match of the 19/20 season - and that man Pimlow again. He was always a complete nuisance to the opposition, so you can imagine what’s running through the brain of the TW’s No. 5 as he despairingly attempts to throttle him!
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5 – September 2019 vs Guernsey (H)
The first match of the 19/20 season. Cam Pimlow’s very agile last-ditch defence caught on camera using my newly procured long-range lens. I was extremely pleased with this as it was shot from behind the dead-ball line some 80 metres away.
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4 – January 2019 vs Bedford (A)
Needs must when the devil drives. The DoR came out of playing retirement, as a substitute, for one match due to a spate of injuries. However, as can be seen from the taping on the legs, he wasn’t expecting a job in the front row. Is that a look of trepidation on his face and who’s the whipper-snapper hooking?
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3 – February 2018 vs Old Towcestrians (A)
James Arbury, running down the considerable Towcester slope, in gloopy conditions, perfecting a grubber at full speed. I was so pleased to capture this action reasonably well as the light was awful and the equipment I was using back then was relatively basic.
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2 – October 2017 vs Old Towcestrians (H)
I named this “The Chilli end of the Rainbow”. Ed ‘Chilli-Con’ Carne, playing full-back, didn’t realise what was immediately behind him.
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1 – September 2015 vs Old Elthamians (A)
The “Noble One”, hobbled due to injury, cuts a lonely figure as he watches his team play and patiently awaits his return to action. In this photo I’ve tried to display the detachment a player can feel when coping with a long-term injury.
