Association of Cricket Officials Issue 30 | Page 25

Celebrations from 2017 ECB ACO On the Red Carpet for the OSCAs Monday 9 October saw the 2017 OSCAs take place in the Nursery Pavilion at Lord’s to celebrate ‘the remarkable volunteering achievements of those who have dedicated their lives to making cricket as rewarding and fun as possible’. Huge congratulations to all the winners from across the country, and especially to the three shortlisted nominees: League (NYSDCL) and has made his mark on officiating in the north east over the years. He developed the Teeside ACO into one of the top training groups in the country, with its students regularly topping the national percentage tables. Albert also made his mark nationally on the Laws of Cricket, being instrumental in having the definitions of wides clarified, as well as the need for clear explanatory notes regarding batsmen who changed their stances. Alan Jones began scoring aged 12 for Wembley Second XI and, after many years playing for the First XI, he returned to the book. He now scores over 100 matches a year including for MCC and Middlesex Second XI. Over the past 20 years Steve Shipcott has held many different roles, including examiner and marker. More recently, however, he has been recognised as the Dorset Performance Officer, giving up countless hours to help develop officials across the county. The 2017 OSCA winner for officiating was Albert Pagan. At the age of 86, Albert continues to regularly stand in the North Yorks South Durham Cricket Women’s World Cup umpire Sue Redfern presents the OSCA to Alb ert Pagan, standing alongside nominees Steve Shipcott and Alan Jones. DCB ACO 25-Year Ties Congratulations to Durham ACO members who received their ties recognising their 25 years of service to the ACO, a huge achievement. Michael Gough Retains Umpire of the Year Michael Gough once again retained the Harry Goldblatt Award for the PCA Umpire of the Year – an award voted for by the players across the First Class game. Gough, a former England Under-19 captain and Durham batsman, was promoted to the First Class List in 2009. Since then, he has stood in four Test Matches, 36 ODIs and 11 T20Is. Back Row, L to R: Paul Jordison (DCB ACO Chairman), Matty Elliot, Albert Pagan, Steve Barnes (DCB ACO Membership Officer), Allan Blackbird, Keith Telford. Front Row: Keith Sutherland, Brian Heaton, Joe Tyson and Jack McGurk. email us at [email protected] contact us on 0121 446 2710 25