Association of Cricket Officials Issue 28 | Page 15

fielding team were disappointed, I was greatly relieved in the after-match chat that they felt it was a tough call and that, whilst it did not go their way, they were happy with how it was dealt with. That made me feel pretty good. Another standout memory from my first season is standing on my own at one of my favourite clubs with rain about. It was the top second team match in the ‘A’ Division; top versus bottom. As it turned out, the top team, which was the home team, scored 250 in their overs and then it went off the rails a bit. The second batting team were struggling badly at 58-8. It rained, and the game lost overs, making it an unequal overs match, so the bowling team had to bowl the batting team out to get a full result. As the first few raindrops appeared from a very dark sky, I remember thinking, ‘Oh dear’ or words to that effect. ‘If I have to take them off, and it’s my call, what will the reaction be?’ The rain got heavier, heavy enough to get the covers on and head off the pitch towards the clubhouse. It was at that moment that I realised it was a good job I had enjoyed playing against this club and that most of them called me a friend, and I hoped it would stay that way for the remainder of the day. It felt very odd and a little uncomfortable to be the one person (except for the batting team) who didn’t think we should be playing. I was pleased when the rain stopped, allowing the teams to recommence the match, the situation being two overs left to get the last two wickets. Penultimate over, no runs, one wicket. Last six balls, one wicket needed. The captain of the team then seemed to have a moment, bringing himself on for his first over of the game to win the match. I don’t remember any of the deliveries threatening the stumps and the match ended in a draw. As you can imagine, the home team were disappointed, the visitors less so. As for the crowd, well, not many said anything when I walked in. I took my time to get changed and reflect, then went to the captain’s meeting. It took a while for the home captain to come in, but I am glad to say we are still friends and I spent a good few hours catching up with old mates. That’s what our great game is about. I am also left wondering how many Lance Subplot here: that day was the 40th birthday of one of my good cricketing mates and pretty much all his friends had turned up, lots of past players and club members, so the situation was not ideal for an umpire standing on his own. umpires have given an LBW decision on a hat-trick ball? I did so during a top game at the end of the season in a match that would go a long way to deciding the title. This was also during a spell of bowling that I was privileged to be so close to: a seven for. The hat-trick was during a two-over spell where the bowler took five wickets – three bowled, two LBW – so an interesting game. The even better bit was I got better marks from the losing side than I did from the winning side, and they gave me great marks. To summarise my first year as a league umpire, there can only be one word – enjoyable. Best seat in the house, banter with the players (but not too much), you get to enjoy your tea every week (looking at my weight, I enjoyed them a little too much) and, more importantly, you still feel very much part of the game. Working as a team with the scorers is great. It can be challenging (technical issues normally), but when it is done right there is a feeling of satisfaction that the players have only had to go and play, and enjoy themselves, not to have to worry about the decisions and management of the game. As an ex player getting older, still being involved in a game that has always been a fascination to me and provided me with so much enjoyment, well, it’s a great feeling and hopefully long may it continue. Jonathan Corcoran email us at [email protected] contact us on 0121 446 2710 15