Association of Cricket Officials Issue 32 | Page 24

Norfolk ACO Brings Up 50 The Norfolk Association of Cricket Officials (NACO) celebrated its 50th anniversary with a meal at the Wensum Valley Hotel recently. Over 100 people attended, which included many past and present umpires and scorers together with representatives from local clubs. In his speech, Chairman John Tythcott gave mention to many of the long-standing members who had helped to forge the association into the success that it is today. Following the meal there was a Q&A with former Norfolk and Test cricketer Martin Saggers, who is now an umpire on the First Class Panel. The evening was organised by David Coe, Nigel Crickmore and Rob Poole. (L to R): NACO President Dick Chapple, Martin Saggers and NACO Chairman John Tythcott. Young at Heart The 2017 season saw Derek Young from County Durham finally hang up his white coat, after an involvement in the game that lasted over 70 years. After being dragged along to play his first game of cricket in 1947, he found success as a left-arm bowler. Twenty two seasons later, however, he injured his hand in the process of hitting only his second ever six. On 13 June 1970 – Derek remembers the date very well – he walked out to umpire his first game. Over the next 48 years, he umpired every game he possibly could, amassing over 3000 matches (we will forgive him for being unsure of the exact total!). In one season alone he stood in 113 matches (with a further 10 being rained off). At the age of 85 he decided that 2017 would be his last season. On behalf of everyone across the game we want to thank him for his unwavering dedication and commitment. Derek Young in action. Derek would like to know if his statistics are in fact a world record (or at least an English one), so please get in touch if you know of any equally outstanding achievements. 24 email us at [email protected] contact us on 0121 446 2710