Umpire appointments to the Semi Finals of the SCA First Grade Limited Overs Competition to be played on Sunday 14th February have now been completed. We wish to congratulate Michael Kumutat, Peter Tate, Darren Goodger and Bill Hendricks on their appointments.

Updated appointments for SCA Round 13 are now available on the website under "Appointments". There has been a couple of amendments so please check your appointment. Should you become unavailable for any reason please contact Darrell Hair on 0427 947000 or by email to darrell.hair@cricketnsw.com.au as soon as possible.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that NSWCUSA member Rod Tucker is to make his debut at Test level in the match between New Zealand and Bangladesh in Hamilton on 15th February. Tucker will be partnered by Rudi Koertzen.

We offer our congratulations to Rod who becomes the 86th Australian Test Umpire and the 16th from New South Wales. Rod also becomes the first Australian umpire to debut at Test Match level since NSWCUSA member Simon Taufel stood in the West Indies v Australia Boxing Day Test in December 2000.

North Coast has won the Bradman Cup for the second time defeating Central North in the Final last month. North Coast captain Dain Morton won the toss and asked Central North to bat first. Central North was bowled out in the 43^rd over for 163 with Grant Stewart top scoring with 30 while Ryan McMahon (2 for 17) and Dylan Masters (2 for 38) were the pick of the North Coast bowlers.

In reply, North Coast won with four wickets in hand, being 6 for 164 in the 46^th over.  Ryan McMahon completed a fine all round match by top scoring with 67.  Matthew Reynolds with 3 for 34 was the best of the Central North bowlers. The Bradman Cup is the NSW Country Cricket Association Under 16 competition which takes place on an annual basis with each Country Zone across NSW represented. 

We offer our congratulations to NSWCUSA members Denis Veronese and Lachlan Walker who officiated in the 2010 Bradman Cup Final at North Dalton Park. Both Denis and Lachlan are members of the Country Development Panel and have officiated in the Sydney Grade competition this season. We also acknowledge the following umpires who officiated in the Bradman Cup Carnival hosted by Illawarra Cricket Association in January:

Charlie Brockley, Dave Cullen, David Dobinson, Brian Druery, Jeff Gittings, Evan Lane, Bill Massingham. 

Darren Goodger

Education & Development Manager

The NSW High Performance XII will take on the NSW Country Colts in three matches next week at Blacktown Olympic Park #2.

The NSW High Performance team will feature several players who have been prominent in recent weeks including Adam Zampa who was part of the successful Australian U19 World Cup winning squad in New Zealand.  In addition seven players who attended the recent Cricket Australia U18 Talent Camp in Brisbane have been included.  Skipper Sean Abbott along with Pat Cummins, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Clarke, Nathan Brain, Brendon Reynolds and Scott Heaney will form the nucleus of the team.

The NSW Country side will be captained by Central Coast all rounder Kaine Harmsworth who was in superb form at the recent Country Colts Carnival at Maitland in scoring 151 runs at 50.3 and taking 5 wickets at an average of 9.2 runs per wicket.

The teams will contest two T20 matches on Tuesday 9 February and a two day match starting on Wednesday 10 February.

NSWCUSA members Bill Hendricks and Bill Massingham have been appointed to all three of these representative matches and we offer them the congratulations of the Association on their appointment, Hendricks being a member of the Sydney Cricket Association first panel of umpires and Massingham a member of the Country Panel and of the affiliated Illawarra Cricket Umpires Association.

Darren Goodger

Education & Development Manager

The Association has been able to secure the services of Alan Mantle for the professional development session to be held at Cricket NSW on 17 February 2010. Alan is the author of The Hand Book of Performance/Sport Psychology – A Primer to Peak Performance.

He has spent over 30 years working on performance psychology and has formal qualifications in Sport Psychology, Counselling and Sports Hypnosis. Alan has worked with Cricket NSW, St George District Cricket Club, Western Suburbs District Cricket Club, Canterbury Bulldogs NRL Club, NRL referees and the Australian Ice Skating Team, as well as many other sporting teams and individuals. He has also developed sport specific workshops and one-on-one programs that cover all sports.

At our session on 17 February, Alan is going to present an Introduction to Sports Psychology particularly offering thoughts to umpires on how your thought process can hold you back or move you forward.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our members to engage with a practising expert in the field of sports psychology and the Association is pleased to provide this opportunity to members free of any charge.

Numbers for the session will be limited to the first 25 registrations.

If you wish to attend the session with Alan Mantle on 17 February commencing at 7pm then please register by sending an email to the Administration Officer Troy Penman nswcusa@cricketnsw.com.au

Further opportunities to work with Alan may be made available to members later in the year. If you would like to read more about Alan Mantle and his work as a sports psychologist you can visit www.enhancemindperformance.com.au

Darren Goodger

Education and Development Manager

Member Ric Becquet officiated in his 150^th match in the recent Stribley Shield round four clash between Cootamundra and Wagga Wagga at the picturesque Albert Park in Cootamundra. The Stribley Shield is the senior representative inter-district competition conducted by Northern Riverina Cricket Council. In a memorable match Cootamundra defeated its more fancied rivals by two wickets in chasing 162 for victory in the 50 overs a side contest.

Ric joined our Association in 2003 and commenced umpiring in season 2004/5. For six seasons he has been a committed active member of the affiliated Cootamundra District CUA. Ric officiates regularly in the Merrin and Sparre Cup competitions and has also conducted matches in the Konica Cup, Country Plate and Northern Riverina Cricket Council junior representative programs.

In January 2009 he umpired the Country Cricket NSW Challenge match at Fisher Park, Cootamundra, between Cootamundra and Temora in a season which saw him honoured with the award of Merrin Cup Umpire of the Year (joint).

The Association congratulates Ric Becquet on standing in his 150^th match and we trust that Ric will enjoy many more satisfying and successful seasons in the middle.

Pat Kerin OAM

Riverina Zone Umpire Representative

North Coast secured their second trophy in two weeks after defeating Central Coast in the Final of the Kookaburra Cup at Bradman Oval on 18 January.  The victory sees North Coast dominate Country Cricket junior carnivals this season winning both the Bradman Cup and Kookaburra Cup.

The Kookaburra Cup is an under 14s competition which takes place on an annual basis with each Country Zone across NSW represented.

In the Kookaburra Cup Final Central Coast won the toss and elected to bat on a brilliant pitch at Bradman Oval.  They were in trouble at 6 for 54 before a steadying partnership between Mark Mariner (70) and Jonte Pattison (50). Central Coast was finally all out for 173 with the wickets shared amongst the North Coast bowlers.

North Coast lost two early wickets before the middle order fired.  Blake Taylor (51) and Nathaniel Scott (40) scored quickly for North Coast, however, it was Jake Kroehnert with a solid 34 not out in the final few tense overs that got the North Coast team over the line with three wickets in hand to secure the Kookaburra Cup for 2010.

Central Coast all rounder Mark Mariner was named Player of the Final.

The carnival was a great success for first time hosts Highlands District Cricket Association.  Its hard working volunteers are to be commended.

The Association offers its congratulations to the following umpires who were appointed to the Kookaburra Cup Carnival: Anthony Bathe, David Burrill, Mark Chadwick, Peter Done, Aaron Deegan, John Ewing, Barry Ferguson, Kevin Hogg, George Lunt, John Oliver, Steve O’Meara, Ian Mein, John Rose, Norm Stanton, Geoff Tassell, Lachlan Walker and Bruce Whiteman.

Particular mention is made of members Lachlan Walker and Bruce Whiteman who supervised the Kookaburra Cup Final. Bruce’s effort, as the local Zone Umpire Representative, in coordinating the umpire appointments was appreciated by all concerned.

Darren Goodger
Education & Development Manager

The SCA Umpire Selection Committee has selected the umpires for the First Grade Limited Overs Qualifying Finals to be played on Sunday 7^th February 2010. Our congratulations go to Bill Hendricks, Darren Goodger, Greg Lill, Peter Tate, Andrew Hamilton and Michael Kumutat on their appointments.

Sutherland v Manly (1 v 6) at Glenn McGrath

Umpires: BILLHENDRICKS and DARREN GOODGER

Sydney Uni v Camp-Camden (2 v 5) at Sydney Uni 1

Umpires: GREG LILL and PETER TATE

Easts v St George (3 v 4) at Waverley

Umpires: ANDREW HAMILTON and MICHAEL KUMUTAT

Appointments to the Semi Finals to be played on 14^th February will be announced on Monday 8^th February.

Darrell Hair

Executive Officer

1^st February 2010.

Newcastle has won the Country Colts Carnival for the second time in three seasons by defeating North Coast in the Final played at Lorn Park on Sunday. To qualify for the Final Newcastle defeated Illawarra by one wicket in the F40 match and Central North by two wickets in the T20 match on Saturday.

North Coast, in the F40 match, accounted for Western by one run, and Central Coast by 104 runs in the T20 match held on Saturday. This left two undefeated sides to fight out the 60 overs a side Final for the Brian Hughes-Maurice Lilienthal Shield on Sunday.

Newcastle captain Kurt Neely won the toss and North Coast was asked to bat first.  Adam Turner with 56 and Matthew Parrish with 46 were the pick of the North Coast batsmen while Ray Cooper with 6 for 53 was outstanding for Newcastle.  He was well supported by Jonathon Laverick who claimed 1 for 13.

In reply Newcastle cruised to victory to claim the Brian Hughes-Maurice Lilienthal Shield by five wickets in the 47^th over with Jesse Major (50) and Jason Keelan (45*) the main contributors with the bat.  North Coast was well served by left arm speedster Rohan Hackett from Grafton who claimed 2 for 32 while Joseph Willman took 2 for 75.

Eight NSWCUSA members were appointed to the Country Colts Carnival and we offer our congratulations to John De Lyall, Ricky Field, Kevin Fraser, Greg Jones, Don Maisey, Adam Marshall, Kim Norris and David Went on their appointment to this important event on the Country Cricket NSW representative program.

Particular congratulations are offered to Country Panel members Kim Norris and David Went who umpired the Country Colts Final.

Darren Goodger

Education & Development Manager

The Cricket NSW Lecture Theatre played host to an umpire training course on the Laws of Cricket for 17 participants in December 2009. Course participation was very pleasing with the sound results providing evidence of their interest, enthusiasm and commitment to studying the Laws.

The Association offers its congratulations to Brian Baudinette, Brett Baxter, Stephen Clements, Peter Comber, Michael Conway, Ashish Deshpande, Cherian George, Jeff McKinnon, William Papadeas, Dean Pengilly, Mano Singham, Paul Smith, B R Venkatesh and Robert York who were successful in the Examination.

It’s great to note that Brett, Stephen, Michael, Cherian, Jeff and Mano have all made their on field debut in the SCA standing in matches in the Shires competition – while Peter has commenced his umpiring by accepting a series of social match appointments with a view to applying to join the Grade umpire panel in 2010/11 – we warmly welcome each of them to the ranks of the active umpires in Sydney cricket and hope they enjoy their time with us as members of NSWCUSA.

I’d like to offer thanks to Laurie Borg for leading the delivery of this training course and for supervising the Examination while I was on annual leave, to Roy Formica and David Townsend at Cricket NSW for their assistance in giving the training course wide publicity in the media and to Jim Robson at Cricket NSW for accepting the booking of this training course at relatively short notice.

The next umpire training course to be held at Cricket NSW starts on Thursday 18 February 2010. If you would like further details please e mail nswcusa@cricketnsw.com.au or call me on 0418 615 355.

Darren Goodger

Education & Development Manager

A training course has commenced at Harbord Diggers with 21 participants regularly attending the sessions covering the Laws of Cricket. This course was requested by the Harbord Diggers Cricket Club.  The Club’s Executive is to be commended for recognising the value of players learning as much about the Laws and the Spirit of Cricket that they can.

As an Association we offer our thanks to President Paul Killalea and his Committee for their organisation of the course and the welcome extended to our umpire trainers. If there are any other cricket clubs or district associations that would like an umpire training course conducted then this Association is only too pleased to oblige.  Please send any requests to the Education and Development Manager Darren.Goodger@cricketnsw.com.au or call 0418 615 355.

We offer our congratulations to Robert Holterhoff, Paul Killalea, Viv Meth and Peter Richmond who have been attending the course at Harbord Diggers and already passed the Association’s on line Examination.  Well done guys on your achievement!

The remaining course participants will attempt the Association’s Examination under the supervision of Board Director and Examination Committee member Brian Ferguson on Wednesday 3 February 2010. I’d like to offer thanks to Laurie Borg, who has so capably led the delivery of this training course for the Harbord Diggers Cricket Club, and to Brian for his willingness to supervise the Examination.

Darren Goodger

Education & Development Manager

Association Principal Member Laurie Borg has been invited by Cricket Australia to attend the Allan Border Medal Awards Presentation and Dinner in Palladium at Crown in Melbourne on February 15. Laurie was nominated by the Association from a strong field of volunteers from our membership as a result of his commitment to on field umpiring this season and his service to the Association in the areas of administration and training for the past 18 years.

Laurie has officiated in 323 matches in the Sydney Cricket Association, 117 of those matches in first grade and has given sterling service to the Association since joining in 1991.

John Evans with Bill Meehan prior to John's 200th First Grade Match at Village Green

NSWCUSA Stalwart John Evans passed an important milestone on 16th January during the round 10 first grade match between University of NSW and Sydney at Village Green. The match marked a great achievement for John as it was his 200th match in first grade. A presentation was made to John by Executive Officer Darrell Hair. John wrote a note of appreciation to Darrell as follows:

The appointments for SCA Rounds 10 & 11 have now been updated as of Friday 22nd January and are available on the website. Please check your matches and if you are unable to fullfil your appointment please contact me as soon as possible so that a timely replacement can be allocated. Also, if you were available and have not been appointed or shown on the overflow list please contact me immediately.

A reminder is also given that umpires should always contact their colleagues well before the match to discuss any playing conditions, logistical issues or any other matter of concern.

Special congratulations go to David Berridge on his debut appointment to 1st grade and Gary Crombie who stood in his debut 2nd grade match during round 10.

Stick It up, Stick It Right Up

"Stick It Up, Stick It Right Up" compiled by Roger Donnelly is the first ever book on all Australian Test Cricket Umpires. The umpires tell their stories, have their say and share previously unknown details on how they think and go about their job.

Roger Donnelly will be attending the next General Meeting of the Association on Wednesday 3rd February to talk about his book and will have copies available for sale. Further information about the book and how to order on-line can be obtained by visiting Roger's website: www.rogerdonnelly.com.au

An umpire training course on the Laws of Cricket will be conducted at Cricket NSW starting on Thursday 18 February 2010. The 15 hour training course will be conducted over the following dates:

18, 25 February and 4, 11, 18 March.  Each session will commence at 6.30pm and conclude no later than 9.30pm. Those wishing to undertake the Association’s Examination on the Laws of Cricket, in order to receive a recognised cricket umpiring qualification, can do so on 25 March.

NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association Accredited Trainers will teach this course which is aimed at recruiting prospective umpires for various competitions, including the Sydney Cricket Association Grade Competition.

Umpiring is a great way to stay involved in the game, as many will tell you “it is the best seat in the house!” Umpires who officiate in the Sydney Cricket Association Grade Competition are remunerated for their service, an amount which well and truly covers any expenses incurred.

If you have ever considered continuing your involvement in cricket as an umpire, then this training course is for you. It is also ideal for coaches, team managers, administrators, and even players who may just want to learn more about the Laws of the Game that they play and love.

If you would like to register for this umpire training course then please contact the Education and Development Manager (Umpires) at Cricket NSW on Darren.Goodger@cricketnsw.com.au or 0418 615 355.