Your Letters
Clive Medcalf, Essex
Having a few days off work turned out to be quite an experience. I decided to see if there was some cricket I could watch, so with Surrey playing Yorkshire, and my friend Neil Bainton officiating, Neil kindly got me a ticket for Monday, the first day.
Unfortunately we only had 32 overs, but it gave me an opportunity to speak with Neil during the rain delay to talk about various cricket topics. I asked Neil if it would be OK if I came to the game later in the week as the forecast didn’ t look good on Tuesday, so he kindly arranged a ticket for me on Thursday.
With the weather set fair, I arrived at the ground and took up a seat close to where the officials come out, so I could thank Neil for the ticket, and wish them well for the day. The morning session progressed nicely with runs and wickets. This followed after lunch as Yorkshire chased maximum batting points and Adam Lyth completed a fine double century. At the conclusion of the Yorkshire innings, Neil left the field very quickly, which I thought was strange. I saw Martin Saggers talking to the Surrey players. He then came running up the steps, he approached me and said‘ You’ re Neil’ s friend aren’ t you? And you’ re an umpire?’ Almost before I could answer, Martin said‘ Come with me urgently.’
I rapidly followed Martin up to the umpires’ room, and Neil was sitting in the corner looking very unwell. I was advised that I would have to replace Neil as he was unfit to continue. While this verification took place, Tony Pigott went out with Martin.
Some of the Surrey officials contacted Chris Kelly and updated him on Neil ' s well-being. He advised there wasn ' t a colleague in the locality. I advised of my current level and what league I officiated in and how I knew Neil, and it was agreed that I would stand in the final session. Suitable kit was hurriedly supplied by Surrey – I borrowed Martin’ s jacket, Neil’ s panama and footwear belonging to Kevin Pietersen.
I quickly got ready, so Martin could brief me when he came off at tea. By this time, both captains had been advised and were happy for me to stand.
That was it, time to go. I followed Martin down the stairs and we made our way to the playing area, where Martin introduced me to Andrew Gale, and we were under way. Various players spoke to me while I was in the middle, including Liam Plunkett, Andrew, David Willey and Tim Bresnan. Martin was really supportive while I was in the middle. Every couple of overs he’ d check if I was OK. I told him I was great and had no problems.
I had a decision to make on an attempted run out, which I was perfectly positioned for. The game concluded at 5pm, with handshakes and thanks from the entire Yorkshire team, and handshakes from Gareth Batty and the Surrey team. As we left the field, we made our way back to the umpires’ room, handshakes all round, and I was advised by Martin, Neil and Tony that I’ d done really well, and made a great decision with the run out. I thanked Martin for his fantastic support while we were on the field. Truthfully, I didn’ t feel nervous or overawed by the occasion, it was being in the right place at the right time, or as per Martin’ s observation in the morning, that I was a friend of Neil’ s.
It truly was an experience of a lifetime, now I just need to work hard and get my Level 2. After this, I’ m hoping it will be quite straightforward!
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