SACUSA Hall of Fame Inductee Biographies Booklet 2014

South Australian Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association

INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME Inductee Biographies ‘Connecting past & present innings of distinguished SA officials’

Happy memories of members from 1951— including inaugural SACUSA Hall of Fame inductee, Keith C Butler (standing, eighth from right, wearing a tie and trench coat—no hat) flying to Melbourne to compete for the Crockett Shield.

Contents ARGALL, Philip (Phil) .................................................................................. 2 BUCKETT, Samuel (Sam) ............................................................................. 4 BUTLER, Keith C ........................................................................................... 6 CRAFTER, Anthony (Tony).......................................................................... 8 DALY, Sidney (Sid) ..................................................................................... 10 GODSON, Alfred (Fred) ............................................................................. 12 HARPER, Daryl ............................................................................................ 14 HELE, George ............................................................................................... 16 McINNES, Melville (Mel)........................................................................... 18 O’CONNELL, Maxwell (Max) .................................................................... 20 WILSON, John .............................................................................................. 22 Selection Panel ............................................................................................. 24 Selection Criteria .......................................................................................... 25 Constitutional Objectives of SACUSA ..................................................... 25

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Philip (Phil) Argall (1855 - 1912) S

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“The death of Phil Argall removes an old identity from cricket circles in Adelaide. As an umpire he was almost as well known in Melbourne and Sydney as he was in Adelaide. On the grounds of all three cities his decisions were received

by English and Australian batsmen with that sense of satisfaction which is always experienced when you feel that

S P E CI A L P O I N TS O F I N T E R E S T :

 Founder and longtime Chairman of Adelaide and Suburban Cricket Association  Played crucial roles in establishing cricket clubs (such as East Adelaide), and then associations (such as the Metropolitan Cricketing Association)  Inaugural President of the Union of SA Cricket Associations, formed to support the sustainability of junior cricket associations throughout the state of SA  A premature death within months of the SACUA forming earned Phil the dubious honour of being the first member to whose funeral colleagues were requested to attend. But the Association was arguably born from the spirit of this very dedicated gentleman.

decisions are given by a man actuated by a desire to do his level best, and whose honesty and sincerity of purpose were never questioned. Such an umpire was Phil Argall, and cricketers both here and in England will regret to hear of his death.” The Australiasian, 13 April 1912

“ i n s t r u m e n t a l i n t h e a d v a n c e o f t h e S o u t h A u s t r a l i a n C r i c k e t A s s o c i a t i o n ” When William Molesworth Argall stepped off the ship Sultana in Port Adelaide in 1854 he had no idea that the following year his wife, Mary, would give birth to a future Test cricket umpire and pioneer of South Australian sporting institutions whose legacies are still enjoyed by the public to this day. The coastal Cornish town of Penzance, from whence the Argall family hailed, seems a long way from the city of Adelaide.

And yet, Australia’s southern state can be grateful that Cornwall’s loss spelt a mighty gain in snaring a first generation South Australian who made his life’s passion the establishment of organisations that form the bedrock of SA’s sporting A

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culture in the 21st century.

The headline quote, above, referring to Philip Argall’s character and commitment throughout his life, appeared in the Western Australian Kalgoorlie Miner within days of his passing.

So admired during his life, was “Phil”, that the sad news was printed in many and various newspapers across the nation.

Phil Argall was a keen cricketer who virtually fell into the officiating role after a well-respected SACA associate recommended him to the position. In the mid 1880s, without applying, he received a letter from SACA informing him that he had been appointed as a grade cricket umpire for the approaching season. The rest, as they say, is history. Phil officiated in more than 300 grade games, in 31 Sheffield Shield matches and seven Tests. He also umpired several other first class games involving touring internationals. Phil passed away suddenly, while walking near home in Hurtle Square, Adelaide. He was 57. In the blink of an eye, a major sporting identity, campaigner and icon was gone.

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Development of sporting opportunities for juniors was what Phil Argall stood for.

Seasonal changes did not prevent him from continuing to grow the South Australian competitive landscape—they merely supplied him with

more chances to offer a bigger menu of competitions.

Phil was a crucial contributor and administrator of several early South Australian sporting

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groups including as Chairman of the SA Football Association (forerunner of the SANFL), Secretary of the West Torrens Football Club, first grade football umpire, Chairman of the SA Baseball League, and major supporter of the Adelaide Baseball Club.

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A c c o l a d e s SA’s own world class umpire, ‘Bodyline’ official, George Hele, held Phil Argall in very high regard. Writing for The Mail in Adelaide in 1937, he had this to say: “Phil Argall was a great umpire in South Australia about 1902, and made a splendid name for himself with his consistently fine performances.

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when there was a suggestion to change the umpires during a Test series. Noble, the Australian captain at that time, was also one of his staunch admirers.

the leading umpires in South Australian cricket. Such an opinion he had of Argall that he always used to tell me that Phil, as an umpire and a man, could take his place with the best.”

During the 1903-4 series, Argall was Crockett’s partner in four out of the five Tests, and proved himself the man for such a big job.

This is an impressive endorsement from someone who was at the top of his game himself.

A reference from such a highly respected individual involved in the most elite level of cricket of his era, and who was regarded as possessing the highest integrity, is a difficult recommendation to ignore.

It was no secret that such was Warner’s [English Test captain] Perhaps it is not known to admiration for Argall’s work many that before I had that he stood out firmly for him anything to do with the game, my father was one of

“...only three stand out right above their fellows in concentration and ability … (‘Dimboola Jim’) Phillips, … R. Crockett and Phil Argall. The mere mention of those three names is a sermon in itself and needs no elaboration.”

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Fitzroy footballer and Australian Test cricketer, Jack Worrall, wrote these words in The Australiasian in 1925, thirteen years after Phil Argall had passed away. The legendary “Bob” Crockett is honoured every two years by both SACUSA and VCAUSA when they contest the “Crockett Shield’ at their traditional Easter cricket match. As an equally admired umpiring partner of Bob’s on many occasions, there is a strong case for considering Phil as an

S u i t a b i l i t y Rule 1: As a foundation member of the Association, Phil ‘s professional behaviour during his distinguished umpiring career informed the initial ideals on which SACUA was originally built.

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Press reports from 1910 reveal that, after the death of Phil’s wife, Marcella, his health began failing, though he continued to chair meetings and umpire as best he could.

So concerned were influential individuals from across the SA sporting landscape that SACA was approached to support a public benefit for Phil at Adelaide Oval. SACA generously agreed to donate the venue, and entertainment was arranged, with a small cover charge for attendance. It appears to have been a

cricket in South Australia over a period of decades, and it can be claimed that, had he lived longer, he would have significantly contributed to the Association for as long as he was able. His particular ideals regarding the growth of cricket and officiating

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Bob Crockett & Phil Argall at the second Test at the MCG, January 1908

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inductee of the inaugural SACUSA Hall of Fame.

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success, with the public supporting the venture and the funds donated to Phil to help with his personal finances.

But, still, the sporting community wanted to do more, and after Phil’s death in early 1912, a committee was set up hastily to raise funds for a memorial monument to be placed at his grave in West Terrace Cemetery.

Thankfully, that monument still stands today, although most people now would not realize why it had been placed there.

Perhaps a vote for Phil’s Hall of Fame induction would go some way to rectify that.

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have been continued for over a century, begun from his inspiration.

Rule 5: Phil possessed an inimitable dedication to cricket umpiring in SA and set the benchmark for acceptable behaviour expected of Associationendorsed officials.

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Samuel (Sam) Buckett (1877—1938) S

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S PEC IAL POINTS OF IN TERES T:  Assistant secretary of the Adelaide & Suburban Cricket Association for three years, compiling statistics and checking records for the various teams  Norwood Football Club room steward for more than 20 years and committee member for well in excess of a decade  Scored at more than 170 East Torrens Cricket Club games and at least 74 first class matches, including five Tests  Official SACA scorer for at least sixteen years  Scoring career spanning 23 years, ended due to ill health that quickly proved fatal  Had the foresight to keep a scrapbook of his scoring career, a copy of which has been made available to SACUSA

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“ a n y w o r k n e c e s s a r y t o b r i n g a b o u t i m p r o v e m e n t i n t h e g a m e w o u l d h a v e h i s w h o l e h e a r t e d s u p p o r t ” The waning New South Wales gold rush in Hill End– into which Samuel Buckett (Jnr) was born in 1877—sadly did not herald a strike of good luck for the parents of one of South Australia’s most admired first class cricket scorers. Having left the mining town of Kadina after the loss of their first baby, Cornish natives, Samuel and Mary Buckett, attempted a new start interstate. The births, and subsequent deaths of two more children no doubt influenced the Bucketts to leave the home in which they could not access any family support. And so it was that Samuel Snr and Mary, along with their youngster Samuel Jnr, settled in Norwood, South Australia.

Although they were to suffer a fourth infant fatality, Norwood was to become the

lifelong residence of Samuel Buckett, Jnr—a place where he contributed significant service to the Norwood

Football Club, and where he first began, so humbly via the Norwood Football Club Footballers Cricket Club, to build an illustrious career as a Grade, State and Interna-

tional cricket scorer.

A colleague of celebrated NSW scorer, Bill Ferguson, during English tours of Adelaide, ‘Sam’ cemented his position as official scorer at both East Torrens Cricket Club and SACA. Consistently reported in the press as an individual who always kept his cool when supplying interested parties with statistics, Sam kept superb records and earned the most complimentary comments in the headline above through his dedication and thorough commitment to the game of cricket. Throughout his 60 years, Sam ensured that the feats performed by those blessed with the best cricketing talent of their time were recorded for posterity, admiration and inspiration for those who came after.

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It has been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Drawing a caricature could be seen as reproducing an imitation, and since Sam was known to have been immortalized by caricaturists, it’s safe to say that he was someone some people wanted to flatter. Here are some examples from 1932 and 1929.

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Through examination of Sam’s life it is possible to interpret it as one which was given meaning through the ability to recognise a real opportunity.

Descending from a tradition of Cornish mining families—men who constantly risked their lives in dangerous underground caverns and women who lived with the consequences—Sam’s grandfather and father crossed the oceans to continue mining in the colony of South Australia.

But as the only surviving child born to his parents, Sam seems

“Obliging to a degree, he has been a great help to pressmen, not only in club matches, but interstate engagements as well. … the premier “penciller” in South Australia” The ’News’ 1927

to have considered different options. He found employment in the saddlery department of a large Adelaide store by the name of ‘Harrold, Colton & Co’. In this way he was able to support his wife, Florence, and three sons.

It was clearly important to Sam that he instilled a strong sense of community contribution and love of education within his children. All three attended some form of tertiary instruction during their early adult life, with one son, Claude, establishing

E v e r y Sam’s reputation for reliability as a scorer of excellence was indeed secured as early as 1923.

Reports in The Register of December that year stated that Sam, as official scorer, was “an ideal man for the post, as he looks after the book, the board, and the press, and between times of entering up figures in three or four different places he is good enough to declare exactly how long each man, or each partnership, had lasted, the scoring of the

S u i t a b i l i t y Rule 1: Although never a member of SACUA/SACUSA, evidence in the form of newspaper reports of the time illustrates that Sam consistently conducted himself in a manner which happened to comply with spirit and objectives of the Association. He was

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Sam Buckett and internationally-admired Bill Ferguson—official scorers throughout the third Test match of the Australia v England series, played at Adelaide Oval in 1925. benefitted his family, but Australian cricket and industry as well.

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Sam was at the top of his game and he did pay it the commitment and respect that the game of cricket demanded of the role.

Perhaps, too often, the work of officials is glossed over as cricket lovers marvel at the amazing This quote encapsulates the feats of players. But without the view that the cricketing public, records which scorers so cricketing professionals and diligently keep, we would also, associates had of Sam during perhaps ,forget the players his career. Although cricket achievements. Sam Buckett kept scorers were not, in that era, records of incredible cricketing included as members of the feats in a manner equal to the Association, Sam was, arguably, feats themselves so that we can likely to have been a member if today know where modern scorers were involved in the players stand in comparison.

Constitution as they are now. batsmen, previous records, and, in fact, everything that could possibly be needed by those desirous of putting all interesting facts before the public.”

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particularly proactive in portraying the role of scorer as one of critical importance to the game, but one which demanded quiet diligence to be effective. Sam always respected the position and the fact that he performed it in a very public arena.

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himself as a noted authority in the Western Australian gold mining industry. In 1982— decades after Sam’s death—Claude was awarded an “A.M.” in the Australia Day honours for service to industry and community. If that outcome is any measurement of success, Sam’s sincere belief in making the most of what life has on offer resulted in a most positive result that changed his family from miners into mining bosses. It is certain that Sam’s work ethic not only

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significant contribution to cricket scoring in South Australia at international, interstate and club level over a period of 23 years.

Rule 5: In at least the first 15 years of his career (and possibly more) Sam never missed a match, demonstrating exceptional dedication to scoring (inclusive of the beginning of the Depression era).

Design, research and content by Kristen Thomas © 2014 SACUSA INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME 2013/14 - INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

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Keith Charles Butler (1907—1998) S

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 SACUA Treasurer for more than 25 seasons, commencing during 1939 up until the end of the 1940/41 season, then recommencing part way through the 1956/57 season when he succeeded George Searson in the role  Awarded SACUA Life Membership in 1956  Umpired 16 First Class matches, including 12 Sheffield Shields  Member of the SA team which travelled to Melbourne for the Easter match against Victorian umpires in 1937

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U n q u e s t i o n a b l e i n t e g r i t y o f b o t h a c r i c k e t & f o o t b a l l o f f i c i a t i n g L i f e M e m b e r

S PECIAL POIN TS OF IN TER EST:  The “K C Butler Trophy” - awarded at each biennial Easter competition to the winner of the SA v Victoria Sunday family contest—is named in Keith’s honour

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On the 8th of November 1907 Keith Charles Butler was born to Charles and Elsie Butler who raised him in the near-city suburb of the Goodwood area. He played cricket at Black Forest Cricket Club with his father, younger brother, Ronald, and his uncle, Cyril, who was only ten years older than Keith. There is evidence that he may have played at East Torrens after he was married, with press reports from 1935 revealing a ‘K C Butler’ showing up in their ranks. However, by 1936 Keith had been recruited by SACA, umpiring in Students’ Grade at the beginning of the 1936/37 season while gaining A Grade appointment by the end.

WW2. At this stage, details of his service have not been investigated.

states, and was during Keith’s first season as an umpire.

Awarded Life Membership of SACUA in 1956, the same honour was bestowed on Keith - probably prior to this - by the SA National Football Umpires’ Association as well.

Relatives remember Keith as a man who adored his wife, Vera, and who was, personally, a very private individual . Vera shunned the limelight and rarely accompanied Keith to any social functions involving the cricket umpires in either Melbourne or Adelaide.

Nevertheless, with all the time What we do know is that Keith devoted to SACUA and prior to the war Keith was umpiring over the years, Vera very involved in Association must have been very supportive business - he played in the of his exploits in order to enable SA team which travelled to him to dedicate the effort Melbourne to compete needed to make positive impacts against Victorian umpires on the Association. She would Keith enlisted in the armed this was only the third match have been very proud of him forces, via the East Parklands to have been organised and there was certainly much to recruitment centre, during between the two be proud of.

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The photo at right was generously forwarded to SACUSA recently by Keith’s nephew. It shows the 1937 SA Easter team which travelled to Melbourne for the competition in the days before it had been named in honour of Victorian umpire, Bob Crockett, and before there was a Shield to play for. Keith is circled in yellow and would have been 30 years old at the time.

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Keith’s nephew, Vaughan Williams, very kindly shared a story with SACUSA about his Uncle Keith. It took place at the time that the retractable lights at Adelaide Oval were newly installed and at that stage Keith would have been well over 80 years of age. Vaughan thought it would be a nice idea to take Keith to see the first match being played under the new lights. As Keith had previously been awarded

K C Butler has, at one time or another, held the posts of Test Panel member (without appointment), Sheffield Shield umpire, SACUA VicePresident, 24 season Treasurer, umpire lecturer, Crockett Shield team member and avid supporter, award namesake AND umpire of matches involving both South Africa and the MCC when they played against SA. It would be difficult to identify a time since 1936 when Keith’s influence or presence hasn’t impacted SACUSA in some way.

honorary membership of SACA it was easy to get him through the gates.

But Keith’s declining mobility required that Vaughan organise a wheelchair. That was not a difficult request, but in spite of Vaughan’s organizational prowess, Keith was quite nervous about attempting the outing.

Vaughan’s aunt called him and said that Keith wasn’t feeling well and didn’t think that he could make the trip.

The response from Vaughan was that he understood, but since the match wasn’t until the following day he would be there to pick him up anyway.

At pick up time Keith had worked himself into such a state that he was almost in tears. However, Vaughan persevered and they were dropped at Adelaide Oval by his wife, with arrangements to pick them up a couple of hours later, as Vaughan wasn’t sure that Keith would be able to cope with much more than that. As Vaughan wheeled Keith through the northern gates people began approaching them and saying how wonderful it was that

S u i t a b i l i t y Rule 1: From the moment Keith joined the umpiring movement in SA he captured the very spirit of the Association and expressed it in his motives and behaviour. He has helped formulate SACUA objectives and realise them for the good of officiating state wide.

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Keith meeting the Queen at Adelaide Oval on 19 March 1954, when he umpired a match between SACA representative and Country Carnival representative teams. His fellow umpire on the day was Mel McInnes.

Keith had come to the cricket. Many members were wishing him well and his spirits began to soar. In spite of his frailty he could still see the scoreboard without his glasses and he was commenting on the play as well. He had a great view from the handicap area and “he absolutely loved it.”

When it was time to leave, Keith was very disappointed, but so very happy that he had be able to see some of the game under lights and to have caught up with people he hadn’t seen in years.

It is difficult to measure just what an involvement like Keith’s in cricket umpiring means in terms of its influence on quality of life.

Suffice to say that for Keith Charles Butler, who gave so very much to the occupation, cricket umpiring gave him back unforgettable experiences and unforeseeable opportunities.

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Rule 4: Keith’s contribution to various aspects of the Association, umpiring and its administration spanned over 40 years and earned him the admiration of, not only, his South Australian colleagues, but also his opposite numbers across the border in Victoria who were friends Keith had made through his

lengthy involvement in the Easter carnival between the two states. When age prevented him from attending the competition in his later years, during the mid 1990s, current members remember how sad the Victorian contingent was at the cessation of his involvement.

Rule 5: Keith was supremely dedicated to the fortunes and evolution of the Association and cricket umpiring in SA. He allocated immense blocks of his life to its sustainability.

Design, research and content by Kristen Thomas © 2014 SACUSA INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME 2013/14 - INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

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Tony Crafter (born 1940) S

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S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T :

 Awarded SACUA Life Membership in 1993  Awarded Honorary Membership of SACA in 1992  Recipient of the Australian Sports Medal in 2000  Has held the professional positions of National Umpire Manager at the Australian Cricket Board, member of the Umpire Performance Assessment Team at the ICC, and Laws Consultant at Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)  In his first season of umpiring in 1973/74, Tony officiated at 3 ‘C Grade ‘games, then 3 ‘B Grade’ and 8 ‘A Grade’ matches. He finished his season by umpiring a Gillette Cup national One Day Level match

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“ s p l e n d i d a m b a s s a d o r ” g a m e challenges they confront on and off the field of play,” he stated.

It’s difficult to find a picture on the internet of Tony Crafter, other than the Associated Press one featured here showing him under a considerable amount of pressure as he attempted to play mediator between an angry Dennis Lillee and an equally furious Javed Miandad in the Perth Test of 1981. It’s unlikely that such an incident would have been a part of Tony’s dream when he first considered taking up umpiring. But it is part of the rich tapestry which constitutes his amazing career conducted in the global cricket environment while a member of SACUSA.

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Early influences while growing up in the Adelaide Hills and, later, Smithfield, came from Tony’s parents and grandparents. But sport always held a key position of interest, and Tony also gathered inspiration from the likes of Don Bradman, Bob Hank (SANFL), Frank Sedgman (tennis) and Billy

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as the one shown are sure to have informed Tony’s approach to helping prepare cricket umpires for work on the world stage.

SACUSA member, Graham Slater, as Editor of On a Sticky Wicket back in 1992 when the above headline was written, referred to Tony, and fellow colleague, Max O’Connell, in these glowing terms because of the sheer size of the commitment given to cricket umpiring over a significant period. Tony feels that In his former roles as “Umpires were an important National Umpire Manager at and respected part of cricket the Australian Cricket Board during [his]13 seasons of (now known as Cricket district cricket.” Perhaps that Australia) and in his work went some way to keeping him with the Umpire involved in an occupation that Performance Assessment has, perhaps, given him Team at the International much - but which also has Cricket Council (ICC) been very fortunate in having ‘international incidents’ such him as one of its servants.

During a recent research interview with Max Bartlett, Tony reflected on how the umpiring arena has evolved.

“Umpires under the jurisdiction of Cricket Australia are now better prepared to cope with the H a p p y

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Pyers (jockey). The result of his willingness to be positively influenced by high achievers resulted in a career which included establishing a national umpire accreditation program, revolutionizing the way umpires were trained, and ensuring that

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states possessing different interpretations of the laws was abolished. This initiative that Tony demonstrated led to him gaining the position in Umpire Performance Assessment at the ICC and, later, the role of MCC Laws Consultant. The ‘influenced’ had become the ‘influencer’ - and cricket is all the better for it.

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A thirteen-year Port Adelaide district cricket veteran player, Tony was somewhat ‘fasttracked’ through the umpiring ranks once he made the decision to join. His journey from commencing officiating ‘C Grade’ at the start of the season to umpiring a ‘Gillette Cup’ One Day match at the end, illustrates his remarkable rise up through the ranks. By anyone’s standard, he was placed in a ‘pressure cooker’ environment from which he appeared to thrive. In only his second season, in 1974/75,

“On reflection, I suggest I have taken a lot more out of the game than I have contributed,” Tony Crafter, during an interview with Max Bartlett in 2014. Max believes others may wish to debate that ledger!

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Tony was appointed to his first Sheffield Shield match, with his first Test match in the 1978/79 season! This advancement was all the more amazing considering the presence in SA, at the time, of established Test umpires of the likes of Max O’Connell, Robin Bailhache and Dick French. In regard to ‘first class’ cricket, Tony went on to stand in a total of 33 Tests and 48 Sheffield Shield matches. In addition, he umpired a further 115 games that were either ‘one dayers’ or visiting

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internationals. In 1987, Tony officiated in the Cricket World Cup, played jointly in India and Pakistan. His 33rd and final Test, between India and Australia, heralded the record number of Tests by an Australian umpire at that time.

Tony retired from umpiring - after nineteen seasons - at the end of the 1991/92 fixture, signing off with the Sheffield Shield Final in that year.

consequently enhanced the lines of communication between umpires and players - the 21st century era has a distinct lack of players transitioning to officiating. Tony believes, however, that umpires are better prepared than ever before to meet umpiring challenges because the modern training is far superior to anything offered previously. While umpires have never been under more scrutiny in matches, Tony backs Cricket In contrast to Tony’s umpiring Australia as a leader in umpire era - where numerous exdevelopment and training, grade cricket players took up evidenced by the number of umpiring at the end of their Australians on the International playing careers, and

S u i t a b i l i t y Rule 1: Tony has known the Association as both SACUA and SACUSA. The inclusion of scorers to the fold is about evolving the support for those involved in officiating, Similarly, Tony has spent much of his career pioneering better ways

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Tony pictured with fellow first class umpire and recipient of honorary membership of SACA, Max O’Connell (Photo originally appeared in SACUA publication On a Sticky Wicket, Issue Number 3, April 1992)

His contribution to umpiring, however, was far from over.

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In his early years of umpiring, Tony served SACUA on the Executive Committee from 1976/77 until 1979/80, and included two years on the By-laws Committee. Despite living overseas and interstate over so many years, Tony remains keenly interested in the events of what is now known as the South Australian Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association.

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to deliver a game that is played in the spirit that was intended.

His behaviour is exceptionally conducive with the spirit of SACUSA. Rule 4: Although Tony’s excellent abilities took him beyond the confines of SA’s

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Panel and the amount of regular appointments that Australian umpires receive. It should be noted that Tony has contributed in no small way to the success of Australian umpires on the world stage.

While true that Tony greatly values the opportunities he has had throughout his career, enabling him to witness, for instance, major sporting events the world over, it is equally true that cricket umpiring in SA, Australia and the world has benefitted significantly from his guidance, commitment and involvement. A more amicable partnership there never was.

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cricket officiating domain relatively quickly, he nevertheless contributed superbly to the Association while he was here.

Rule 5: No conflict exists between Tony’s behaviour and SACUSA’s ideals. In fact, he has carried the Association ideals across the world.

Design by Kristen Thomas. Research and content by Max Bartlett © 2014 SACUSA INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME 2013/14 - INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

Season 2013/14

SACUSA Inaugural Hall of Fame

Sidney (Sid) Daly (1915—1987) S

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Sadly, Sid passed away in February 1987, only weeks before he would have been called upon to present his medal.  Awarded SACUA Life Membership in 1970  SACUA auditor from 1978 until 1980  SACUA Secretary for ten seasons from 1965/66 until 1974/75. For six years prior to that Sid served on the Executive Committee as President, Vice-President and Assistant Secretary

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Sidney Patrick Daly was born in Broken Hill on the 14th November 1915 to parents Joseph, a miner, and Catherine. As one of seven children he was educated by Josephite nuns at primary school and by Marist Brothers teachers for his secondary education.

However, lean years in a country town during the Great Depression gave Sid a life education also, and it was at this time that he developed a strong attitude of integrity and honesty, and a willingness to learn any task that his father, uncles or elder brothers presented to him.

proposal of marriage on the condition that they made their home in Adelaide instead of Broken Hill. A lucky break for SACUSA!

A conspiracy between Sid’s father and the mining company doctor aimed at not issuing Sid with a mining clearance after his medical caused Sid to look for work outside of the mine that his father and elder brothers worked at. Milking at small dairies in the area and a stint as a jackaroo at Wilcannia and surrounding areas saw Sid avoid the mining career he had hoped to follow initially.

On returning to Broken Hill, Sid met his future wife, Myrtle, who agreed to his

Sid and Myrtle were married during WW2 in 1941. They made their home in a rented bedroom, kitchen and living room in Collinswood before Sid enlisted. His first choice was to become a member of the air force, but it wasn’t until he reached Melbourne, after training as a truck driver in the army, that he was granted his wish. After undertaking diesel engineer’s training Sid was posted to Papua New Guinea, Borneo, Moratai

and Labuan where he was responsible for maintaining the earthmovers used to construct airfields. It was while in Labuan that Lady Luck smiled on Sid. While waiting for a troop bus to take him to another area, it drove straight past him, only to be blown up in a Japanese attack further down the road.

All on board the truck were killed, including another ‘S P Daly’, which resulted in Myrtle receiving the dreaded telegram to inform her of her widowhood. Three days later she received another telegram confirming that a mistake had been made, and quick as a flash the young mother of two regained her living husband, even if he was thousands of miles away.

Post-war, Sid and Myrtle increased their brood to a total of six children. Initially taking up football goal umpiring to help pay his children’s college fees at St Monica’s Primary, Rostrevor College and St Dominic’s Priory, Sid joined SACUA when he began umpiring cricket in the 1957/58 season. The cricket side of this extra job became Sid’s absolute passion.

SACUSA INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME 2013/14 - INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

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F o r t u n a t e After WW2 Sid found work at the Mason & Cox Foundry, but an accident in which he was burnt caused him to leave. He then moved to Coca-Cola, beginning as a cashier then progressing to the position of paymaster. When Sid began he had a pay list of about 300 people. This was to grow until in 1969 he had almost 3000 employees to pay with the help of just one assistant. The pressure was such that he would go into work on Sundays - and even Christmas Day after

Sid had a great belief that umpiring should be enjoyable, and coached his umpires to do the best they could while ensuring that they enjoyed what they were doing and were showing this to the players.

r e c i p i e n t s his family had opened their presents, so that he could ensure that everyone would receive their hard-earned wage. During 1969 Sid suffered several heart attacks and spent most of the year on sick leave. When he returned Sid found that the company had employed three paymasters to take over his job while they let him settle in to his former job as cashier. Sid’s hard work was rewarded when Coke allowed him to take early retirement two years ahead of time on full entitlement.

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Sid became Umpires Coach in the 1963/64 season and served in this capacity until 1975/76, while also serving on the SACA By-laws Committee.

During these coaching years Sid used several different initiatives to demonstrate to trainee umpires the intricacies of cricket officiating. Included in these was the construction of a fold-up plywood cricket

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ground complete with a replica of the Adelaide Oval scoreboard, scorers, picket fence and fully marked pitch.

He had Myrtle buy a set of dolls and dress them accordingly; fielders, bowler, batsmen, wicket keeper and umpires—all with the correct equipment and attire! Sid then used these to demonstrate the laws of the game and particularly the positioning required of the umpires when a runner was on the field for a batsman. This equipment could all be folded and packed in a wooden carry case for transporting to different locations. Upon Sid’s

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Rule 4: Sid’s contribution to cricket umpiring spanned 23 years, from 1957 when he joined the fraternity until 1980 when he resigned as Association auditor.

Included in this service was his engagement as Secretary/Treasurer to the Federation of Cricket Umpires (a national

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After retirement, and after Sid had finished umpire coaching for SACUA, he continued his lifelong occupation of community contribution by assisting St John Ambulance trainers with their first aid courses. He would voluntarily spend a day with trainers helping to deliver the practicalities of first aid.

Sid was also heavily involved with the St Vincent de Paul Society assisting people in need.

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S u i t a b i l i t y Rule 1: One of the objectives of the Association has always been to ensure the best possible training of current umpires and members. Sid has illustrated a particularly strong commitment to the objective of education and developed initiatives to enhance it.

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death it was donated to the SACA museum where it was displayed for many years. As an aside, according to Sid’s son, Robert, the demonstration kit was often used at home when Ashes Test matches were broadcast from England on radio. Sid became an acknowledged authority on the laws of the game, even to the extent that Sir Donald Bradman would visit the family home to discuss points of law and their interpretation. Robert remembers being introduced to Sir Garfield Sobers on one occasion with his father - a truly breathtaking moment for a youngster.

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organisation) from 1969/70 until 1974/75.

Rule 5: Sid’s exceptional dedication is illustrated in his insistence on developing the ‘Sid Daly Dolls’ to aid in umpire education - an initiative which proved to be a significant stepping stone in the evolution of umpire training as we know it today.

Design by Kristen Thomas. Research and content by Max Bartlett © 2014 SACUSA INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME 2013/14 - INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

Season 2013/14

SACUSA Inaugural Hall of Fame

Alfred T (Fred) Godson (1917—2012) S

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 SACUA President for the 1963/64 Season  Awarded SACUA Life Membership in 1971  Umpired a total of 21 Sheffield Shield matches, and eight “other’” first class level games  In 1991 SACA struck the ‘Fred Godson Medal’ to award to the best West End One Day Cup player of the series  Life Member of Port Adelaide Cricket Club and captain of its 1955 C Grade premiershipwinning team  Dedicated 16 years to service on the SACUA Executive Committee  Awarded honorary Life Membership of SACA  Awarded an Australian Sports Medal in 2000

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Many of us have fond memories of ’Freddie’ - a wonderful, quietly spoken man who was a powerhouse of our Association. While physically small in stature, Fred was large of heart and never known to shirk the harder issues of officiating in cricket, football or indeed, life. Whatever direction the research on relatively recent careers has taken, a common denominator has appeared in the form of Fred Godson. The headline above demonstrates the sincere guidance that Fred was always willing to extend to others.

professional career was similarly peppered with awards and accolades. After leaving Kilkenny Technical High School, Fred secured

In the same way that Fred focused on and excelled at whichever sport was lucky enough to garner his attention - gathering critical acclaim along the way - his

an apprenticeship as a sheet metal worker, winning several medals - regularly as ‘Best All Round Student’ - at the Royal Adelaide Show during his years of tuition.

f o r h i m , o f h i s e r a , w u m p i r e s w a l k s o f e n s e . ” Awards were sometimes accompanied by financial enhancements. The addition of a one guinea prize to the particular honour bestowed meant the equivalent of about a week’s wage to the bottom line. Fred was a person who could clearly see the benefit of applying himself to a task, and consequently he thoroughly enjoyed his occupation for the best part of half a century. Unhappy at having to retire at 65, just three months shy of working for the SA Gas Company for 50 years, Fred was nonetheless thrilled when reflecting on his well-rounded journey, having ridden a pushbike through the company gates on his first day of work and driving out through them in a new Holden Commodore on his last!

W o n d e r f u l f r i e n d s h i p s The photo, at right, shows Fred celebrating his 90th birthday with dear friends from his cricketing life.

(From top left) Barry Jarman, Keith Horsell & Max O’Connell. (Bottom left) Fred with Colin Egar.

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S p o r t Featured in the Association’s December 1999 newsletter, in the Where Are They Now? column, Fred’s comment (above) specifically refers to his involvement with the Woodville Bowling Club, but his longstanding commitment to various sports speaks volumes about his belief that sport generally is an activity worth pursuing. His 20 year playing career, predominantly with Port Adelaide Cricket Club, commenced in 1935 and was punctuated by stints with the Woodville Rechabites (in the Adelaide Turf Association),

“In everything he did, Fred was both friendly and fun. He represented South Australia with distinction for a long time.”

S A C A President, Ian McLachlan, in 2012

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and later Largs Bay Cricket Club for three years.

player of the series, the “Fred Godson Medal”, Winding up his playing has been won by involvement after the end of players as the 1955/56 season, Fred impressive as commenced SACA umpiring Darren Lehmann, during 1956/57. His SACUA Ryan Harris, Dean Executive Committee Waugh, Daniel contribution began in the Harris, Mark 1959/60 season and Cosgrove, Ben continued solidly for 16 This photo (courtesy of Fred’s son, Ken) Johnson and years. He variously held the was taken at Fred’s first appointment to David Hookes. offices of Association ViceSheffield Shield cricket in December 1961.

Whichever way President, President, Auditor you look at it, Fred Fred, at right, is pictured with colleague, and SACA Bylaws Committee Godson has well Colin Egar. Ken recalls being very excited Delegate. Complementing and truly written that, at age 9, he “was allowed onto these roles, Fred was also himself into the an SANFL Goal Umpire for Adelaide Oval to take the photo” with his SACUSA and SA 13 years.

‘Box Brownie’ camera.

Cricket record SACA’s annual award to the books. most valuable One Day Cup

R e c r u i t m e n t Perhaps Fred’s greatest work appears to be the manner in which he attracted new recruits to umpiring from the recently retired ranks of grade players. Tony Crafter, just one of many to tell the story of Fred talking to them regularly as they came toward the end of their playing careers, over a few quiet drinks at the end of a day’s play, of the joys of staying involved in the game and the assets that they could bring for

S u i t a b i l i t y Rule 1: With Fred’s quiet achieving self-motivated recruitment drive, it is clear that his behaviour was always conducive with spirit and objectives of SACUSA, one of which was to sustain the Association and cricket officiating into the future.

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Not satisfied in just attracting these ex-players into umpiring, Fred’s dedication to assisting them rapidly develop their skills in officiating was quite remarkable. Tony seems to think his methods in recruiting were honourable, but he is a bit hazy about remembering some of the sessions!

Cricket was not the only community to benefit from Fred’s deep commitment to the development of sport.

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Rule 4: Fred’s contribution was extensive, dedicating 16 years to the Executive Committee alone. But his personal recruitment and mentoring drive, combined with his service to various cricket clubs throughout the Adelaide suburbs, meant

S u s t a i n a b i l i t y As a goal umpire and umpire coach with the SANFL, and as a President and Life Member of the Woodville Bowling Club, Fred helped sustain sporting institutions right across Adelaide.

Only slightly disappointed that he was never offered the opportunity to umpire a Test match, Fred truly packed in some serious donations of time to sport in his 94 years But all good things sadly must come to an end, and Fred passed away on the 4th of May 2012 after a wonderful life of service to his fellow man.

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that his total contribution to cricket in SA exceeded almost 40 years. It is not surprising that a medal has been struck by SACA in his honour. Fred enhanced cricket - and cricket umpiring - in South Australia, enabling them to thrive.

Design by Kristen Thomas. Content and research by Max Bartlett © 2014 SACUSA INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME 2013/14 - INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

Season 2013/14

SACUSA Inaugural Hall of Fame

Daryl John Harper (born 1951) S

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A S P EC I A L P O I N T S O F I N TE RE S T:  Awarded SACUA Life Membership in 1994  Association President from 1988 to 1990  Has umpired 95 Test matches, 174 One Day Internationals, 10 T20 Internationals, 56 Sheffield Shield matches — 830 in total, inclusive of Grade appointments  Awarded Life Membership of East Torrens District Cricket Club in 2007  Member of the inaugural ICC Elite Panel of Umpires  Umpire of Australian Rules football in country SA during the 1970s, in which he umpired three Grand Finals in his first season. An Achilles tendon injury early in that career terminated its continuation and football’s loss was cricket’s gain

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Association matches in Growing up in Payneham time. He began his senior 1974/75. A return to work in South, Daryl was the third of career with East Torrens in Adelaide was a return to play four children born to Jack and the C Grade during the at East Torrens - by then Ruth Harper. Jack captained 1966/67 season. For a situated at Campbelltown Payneham Cricket Club in the period while studying at Adelaide Turf Association Wattle Park Teachers Centre Oval, rather than Norwood playing until the 1978/79 competition in the 1950s, he appeared for Teachers season. A highlight of while working as a his final season was building site supervisor his domination of a for engineering B Grade match company, T O’Connor against Sturt where he & Sons (a grandson of scored 99 of a 156 O’Connor Snr is Creagh first innings total, O’Connor, Cricket and 56 of a second Australia Chairman innings total of 98. from 2005 until 2008).

However, Daryl was Daryl’s foray into baseball officiating after an Ruth worked for iconic amazing cricketing career knocked unconscious Adelaide department (Photo by Brett Williamson—ABC Adelaide 2012) attempting to hook a store, John Martins, bouncer from former gaining a role in the first Christmas Pageant in the College B Grade throughout State quick Jeff Kowalick.

Returning to Price Memorial 1930s before it went on to 1969/71. Prior to this, Oval to pick up his car after become world famous. On however, in 1967/68, he Ruth’s side of the family was had made his A Grade debut seeking medical attention, Daryl suffered even more cousin-in-law, Test match for East Torrens against pain. He discovered that his umpire and SACUA Life Teachers College at Member, Mel McInnes. Daryl Norwood Oval. A move was bails had been dislodged by his bat or falling body, and the had plenty of inspiration to made to the south-east in umpire had ruled him out … interest him in the game which 1973, with new bride, would eventually enable him Maureen, because they had despite suffering a serious injury. Daryl is still to travel the world. both been appointed to teach at Allendale East Area conducting research to The first part of Daryl’s discover the name of the School. Daryl was quickly cricketing career was as a umpire concerned … player. He first came to notice appointed captain-coach of while playing for the Norwood Allendale East Cricket Club As so it was that Daryl Harper in the Mt Gambier & brought his vast cricketing High School First XI between Districts Association, knowledge to the fore for the 1966 and 1968, also gaining selection for the good of the game. appearing with the East Noblett Shield InterTorrens schoolboys during this

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The gift of giving Daryl has been incredibly generous with his time to cricket, ever willing to help out a club, a player or a fellow umpire. He has given of his time to charities and our Association in whatever has been requested, whether it be hosting presentation dinners, running training seminars or speaking at sports nights.

The game of cricket, in return, has given Daryl global opportunities. After progressing steadily in grade cricket - with Steve Davis starting at much the same time - he experienced the ‘log jam’ of numerous talented and knowledgeable first class umpires who resided in SA at the time. People of the calibre of Peter Cronin, Bruce Martin, Max O’Connell, Bob Woods and Tony Crafter were all

His correct decisionmaking percentages late in his career, at 96%, were equal to or better than any other longstanding international umpire.

actively Daryl (circled in red), pictured in about 1956, at home with umpiring his family, including his cousin-by-marriage, Test cricket in SA at umpire, Mel McInnes (circled in blue) the time.

Daryl had to wait until 1987 to make his first class debut. He was appointed to the National Panel in 1993/94 and finally stood in a game between NZ and South Africa at the WACA in January 1994. Eventually after 15 seasons and only 12 ODIs in five years, Daryl joined Darrell Hair on the ICC’s National Grid Panel and umpired his first Test - an Ashes match at that - where Australia routed England in Perth on the third day. Fifty first class appointments and 18 One Day domestic games and he had made it. playing nations as well as other matches in In April 2002, after 17 Tests, including Kenya, Morocco, Hong Kong, Canada, the seven within Australia, the ICC Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates and Fiji. selected Daryl to be a member of the Daryl has taken South Australia to the world inaugural Elite Panel of Umpires. and come back home to tell the tale.

Appointments took Daryl to all Test

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Daryl is, without doubt, South Australia’s most recent star on the world stage of cricket umpiring.

But, at times, headlines seemed to naturally gravitate toward him without any rhyme or reason. With Daryl’s gregarious and happy nature, it seemed as if some people in world cricket almost set out deliberately to destroy his career. In January 2010 the ECB demanded an independent inquiry into Daryl’s performance as third umpire in a Test loss to South Africa at The

S u i t a b i l i t y Rule 1: As a former Association President , Daryl and his family involved themselves very much in the social aspects of the many events which express the spirit of SACUSA. Additionally, Daryl has always been aware of

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The seven month inquiry completely exonerated Daryl and highlighted the inadequacies of the technology involved in the series. A set of minimum standards was established to ensure that there would be no repetition of the inadequacies in the system utilised in international cricket.

It should be noted that from April 2008 until June 2010 Daryl was ranked Number One in decision-making in Tests. His conviction to stand by his clearly capable umpiring perceptions resulted in sorely needed investigation into new

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the objectives of the Association and aided in their realisation when possible.

Rule 4: Daryl’s contribution to SACUSA and umpiring in SA has been significant, extending to representing the Association on the

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technological ‘enhancements’ that were falling short of achieving their purpose. It is, arguably, due to Daryl’s strength of character that improvements in the new technologies are being pursued.

Daryl’s lengthy career has been one that has seen possibly the biggest changes to umpiring across eras. Since he first attended the SACA winter school on Adelaide’s North Terrace in 1983 he has been involved in some very game-changing developments, and is, technically, an authority on cricket evolution across millennia— due to personal experience. The accessibility of the experience that Daryl provides to SACUSA is, truly, an invaluable asset.

C r i t e r i a world stage when his skills afforded international opportunities.

Rule 5: There is clear evidence that Daryl’s dedication to umpiring in SA - and the world - is exceptional, evident in his patience and commitment over many years.

Design by Kristen Thomas. Research and content by Max Bartlett © 2014 SACUSA INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME 2013/14 - INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

Season 2013/14

SACUSA Inaugural Hall of Fame

George Hele (1892—1982) S

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 Creator of a world record, in 1929, for umpiring an entire series of five tests on debut  Secretary & Treasurer of SACUA from 1921 to 1924  Appointed to umpire the infamous ‘Bodyline’ test series with New South Welshman, George Borwick  SACUA President from 1930 to 1932, just prior to the ‘Bodyline’ tour  A move to Melbourne in 1933, complete with appointments to Victorian pennant cricket umpiring, presumably included membership of the VCAUA—making George a member of two umpiring associations  Particularly pro-active in educating cricket umpires and the public about the intricacies of the game via lectures, chats and newspaper articles

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“ a p p r e c i a t e s t h e w o r t h o f e v e r y p l a y e r a n d g a i n s t h e c o n f i d e n c e a n d e s t e e m o f t h e m a l l ” An unexpected injury incurred by George Hele while playing cricket is certainly not the only time in which an accident has been a factor in influencing an individual to find an alternative role within the game. But in George’s case it was a decision which led to a lifelong relationship with the game at the highest level possible, and a career snapshot which was eventually captured on the small screen within the Australian mini-series, Bodyline.

Writing in the Sydney Referee in 1930, W A Finnan reported that George was dealt “a fast ball … under the belt and he was advised not to play again.” He would arguably

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significant repute in South Australia, would have encouraged George as much as possible in what he undoubtedly saw as the noblest of all sports.

Just as Andrew was well known in South Australian sporting circles, George more than surpassed that feat by being recognised for his talents internationally. Words of praise for his professional conduct were forthcoming all throughout his life—many from the best in the business. If SACUA ever produced a superstar umpire, George Hele very likely was the first. His perception of the great value of the game of cricket was pre-empted by the likes of his throughout his life by his father and Phil Argall. Equally, father, Andrew, that umpiring his own career has served to was seen as a credible (and invoke that same love of the perhaps even inevitable) game’s spirit in those who development . Hele Snr, follow. himself a first class umpire of

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Press reports from the 1920s through to the 1950s are littered with mentions of George Hele and his unwavering fidelity to respectful appreciation of umpires. As an example, in 1923, as Association secretary, George was interviewed by a journalist from The Mail regarding umpire

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remuneration. He was quick to label the payments as insufficient. Similarly, in 1932, the News reported that George took a stand at Adelaide Oval when appointed to umpire there in January. Unhappy that the umpires were first on the field, last to leave and last to be served lunch—thereby

SACUSA INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME 2013/14 - INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

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providing them insufficient time to dine—while having his complaints to SACA ignored, George brought his own lunch and ate in the players change rooms. In the journalist’s own words, George “stood on his dignity” - an ability quite useful in the cut and thrust role of international cricket umpire.

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“ A s s o c i a t i o n i s a w o r t h y o n e … s o t h a t c r i c k e t c a n b e b e t t e r e d a s a w h o l e ” The abovementioned quote was taken from a 1923 interview with George during his tenure as Association secretary. They are the words of the reporter, rather than the umpire, but they no doubt echoed the opinion of the Association at the time. In fact, they echo the spirit of the Association in the 21st century as well—such is the consistency that SACUA/SACUSA has been able to maintain for over one hundred years. In 1923 the Association was the industry

representative organisation for thirty members. George had seen it grow from its original founding, being nineteen years old at the time and watching his father help fellow A Grade umpires establish it with the aim of formalizing the passing on of critical umpiring pointers.

Continuing his father’s work, once he was also ensconced more than successfully in the same occupation, George proceeded to carry the

Association’s torch specifically so that the game of cricket—at all levels—benefitted. He was a leader who was probably the forerunner of modern industry leaders in Australian cricket—a man who would quite possibly still be prepared to continue promoting cricket umpiring for the improvement of the game across the globe. George’s hopes for the growth of cricket officiating didn’t die with him.

Rather, they continue to expand because of his dedication in life.

A 1930 caricature of George, drawn after a successful season umpiring test cricket

“ H e h a s a h a p p y k n a c k o f i m p a r t i n g h i s k n o w l e d g e t o o t h e r s ”

“It is with the With the huge exposure that in delivering it. A 1927 News object of George had to the report stated that SACA international world of cricket, engaged George to conduct would be easy, perhaps, to lectures throughout the season explaining [cricket] itfocus only on his impressive for the benefit of members. By professional match volume after having created the cases like this that record as justification for 1929, Test debut world record, Hall of Fame George offered to conduct the the association was SACUSA induction. But there is a lectures for SACA umpires. side to George’s character Such a gesture indicates how formed.” George that may be even more highly George valued cricket reason to induct to the education, and the opportunity inaugural Hall.

He was intent perceived for passing on his Hele in ’The on using his ever-growing henew-found knowledge attained to support umpire once he had experienced the Mail ’ 1923 knowledge education, and followed Test environment. fellow umpire, Fred Thomas,

S u i t a b i l i t y Rule 1: In an official capacity— as either Secretary or President—George was willing to speak on behalf of the Association to communicate and promote its ideals and goals.

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Association, George representing it on the world stage, and his son becoming a member in the early part of his career. George was always prepared to help SACUA develop an education program, and spent time educating the public as well through interviews and media columns.

“moment in the sun” wouldn’t last forever—it can’t last for anyone. But he did understand that recording knowledge gained for the benefit of future generations is an important— and arguably crucial—step in growing and developing any organisation. Perhaps it is in George’s spirit that the SACUSA Hall of Fame is being created.

The Hall, in conjunction with other SACUSA history projects, is an avenue by which George’s wisdom, and that of others, can be accessed by any person, any time.

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Rule 5: George did demonstrate exceptional dedication to SACUA and cricket umpiring in South Australia for over a decade and— by proxy of his family connection—since the Association’s inception. When his career took him away from SA, George continued to speak publicly of SA’s umpiring achievements.

Design, research and content by Kristen Thomas © 2014 SACUSA INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME 2013/14 - INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

Season 2013/14

SACUSA Inaugural Hall of Fame

Mel McInnes (OAM) (1915—1996) S

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 Awarded Life Membership of SACUA in 1959  SACA Treasurer from 1969 to 1979  Delegate to the Australian Cricket Board  SACA trustee  SACUA President during the 1957/58 season  Umpired 16 Test matches plus seven ‘other’ games  Umpired 16 Sheffield Shield matches  Awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours of 1979 for services to cricket  During the 1960s Mel played a leading role in attracting the great Garfield Sobers to Prospect District Cricket Club and the SA cricket community

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Where does one begin in attempting to document the life and times of Mel McInnes? Not merely a great Test umpire, as most people will remember him, but also a very talented and long –serving cricketer and a fine, dedicated cricket administrator who was born in Prospect, South Australia on 30th August 1915.

Mel was a stalwart member of the Prospect District Cricket Club for 48 years, serving the club in almost every capacity at some stage throughout his career. He commenced playing there at the age of fifteen, in 1930, and continued until 1946.

Only WW2 - in which he enlisted in the AIF in 1940 plus three seasons with SACA Senior Colts, interrupted his playing days at Prospect. Awarded the “Most Effective Player - A

A l l Melville James McInnes married Marion Smith in Adelaide in 1942. Marion’s closest cousin, Ruth, married Jack Harper—and together, Ruth and Jack would eventually become the

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w h i c h t u r n e d a c a r e e r Grade” at the end of the 1938/39 season, Mel was also honoured by PDCC in 1947 when he was named as #19 Life Member.

His contribution continued at an exceptional level during the following years, with Mel acting as club Treasurer during 1947/48 and 1950/52, as Secretary from 1959 until 1964, President from 1964 until

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1966, and Club Patron for an impressive 20 years from 1976 until 1996.

As if Mel wasn’t busy enough with his commitments at Prospect, he also chose to begin cricket umpiring early in this hectic period in 1948.

A lack of accessible umpiring records from the mid 20th century has made it difficult to confirm how many games Mel officiated at Grade level, but it is estimated that he must have been appointed to approximately 125 matches.

Although Mel was reported to have begun umpiring as a hobby, he quickly rose through the ranks, and officiated in his first Test match in December 1951, at Adelaide Oval between Australia and the West Indies.

It was the first Test match to include Christmas Day as one of the playing days. What a sensational present!

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parents of SACUSA member and international umpire, Daryl. The vast difference in ages meant that Mel seemed more like an uncle to young Daryl, rather than a cousin - and would have been able

to provide plenty of cricket stories to any youngster who was interested. Two SACUSA Life Members/international cricket umpires in one family is a quite unique claim to make in anyone’s book.

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M u l t i - t a s k i n g In 1955 Mel joined the SACUA Executive Committee, continuing to serve until 1959.

During this time he was voted in as President for the 1957/58 season, prior to which he had begun performing the duties of Umpire Coach in 1955/56. Mel continued in this mentoring role until the end of the 1961/62 season.

Simultaneously, while he was serving on the SACUA committee, Mel agreed to be the Association delegate to the SACA Grade Cricket Committee

“McInnes, in my opinion, ranks with Hele and Crockett as the finest Australia has produced …

McInnes adopted the English idea of never rushing into a decision and perhaps that is why he makes so few mistakes.” Cricket writer, Johnny Moyes in 1959.

and committed Executive Committee member there is clear evidence that Mel behaved impeccably and in sync with SACUSA’s spirit and objectives.

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for a single term in 1957, as well as the SACUA liaison officer from 1956 until 1959.

“time off” was spent fighting for his country in the Middle East and New Guinea during WW2.

History shows that from the time Mel began playing cricket for Prospect in 1930, he was consistently either playing cricket, administering it, umpiring or leading it - adding up to a period exceeding 60 years. His cricket commitment was interspersed with a league football debut for North Adelaide in 1937, following his elder brother, Don, to the club. The only other

With a life defined by sport and dedication to contributing to his community, it is not surprising that Mel came to the notice of the broader Australian and global landscape - resulting in his receipt of an Order of Australia Medal in 1979.

Mel, pictured with Arthur ‘Dick’ Cocks in But this was not December 1948 at the commencement of his the first time Mel first Sheffield Shield appointment, which took had been admired place at Adelaide Oval between SA and NSW by those from overseas.

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For many years English cricket umpire, Frank Chester, was universally regarded as the best in his

field in the world, with his Wisden obituary claiming that he “raised umpiring to a higher level than had ever been known in the history of cricket.” So when he retired in 1955, and an English journalist from the London Daily Mirror called for Mel McInnes to accompany the Australian team to England to umpire matches hosted there, it was an honour of the highest degree.

Umpires, at that Mel playing football for North stage, did not travel Adelaide in 1938. internationally.

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Rule 4: Mel made significant contributions to cricket administration, cricket umpiring administration, SACUA and cricket umpiring for a period collectively of over 60 years.

Australian Test captain, Ian Johnson, stated that, “McInnes would hold his own in any company.

His presence would raise the standard of umpiring anywhere.”

The journalist, Brian Chapman, said, ”Now Chester has retired Australia can boast the best umpire in the business. Mel McInnes has all Chester’s imperial, unbiased control of the game. The MCC can, by inviting McInnes, start something of real value to big cricket.”

Mel’s own response was modest and pleased. “I feel highly honoured at even having been mentioned as an umpire who should be asked to go to England.” In our current era there is no doubt that Mel McInnes would have made it internationally.

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Rule 5: In Mel’s case, his dedication to the Association and umpiring, and the administration of both in South Australia is clear. His behaviour always blended seamlessly with the ideals that SACUSA held during his era of involvement.

Design by Kristen Thomas. Research and content by Kristen Thomas and Max Bartlett © 2014 SACUSA INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME 2013/14 - INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

Season 2013/14

SACUSA Inaugural Hall of Fame

Max O’Connell (born 1936) S

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 Umpired 19 Test matches, including the Australia v England Centenary Test in 1977  The only SA batsman to score a century in a Crockett Shield SACUSA v VCAUSA match

 1990/91 SACUA President, four season SACA By-laws Committee member and two season Umpire Coach  Long time SACUA Winter School lecturer  Coordinated an umpire correspondence course for NT residents  Two year CA Review Committee member regarding ICC Laws of Cricket

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A young Max in 1948 after winning a contest to raise money to build a library at Pennington Primary School— this picture originally appeared in the News.

Maxwell George O’Connell was born in Alberton in 1936, the eldest child of George and Mildred O’Connell, and big brother to four younger sisters. The family home was on Torrens Road at Cheltenham, just

five minutes from the Alberton Oval, a place where the young Max spent as much time as possible.

Bob Quinn, a dual Magarey Medalist and one of many heroes to watch, was an idol to follow every Saturday during football season. The initially small Pennington Primary School was where Max gained his early education, and was a place which grew considerably with the arrival of Eastern European migrants to South Australia. As the photo, at left, shows, Max played his part in helping the school to develop, and from Grade 5 onwards he was a member of both the cricket and football teams. Although small, the school fielded a cricket team which earned a place at the 1948 Mark Mitchell Primary School

‘Life of The old term mentioned above could easily be interchanged with that other Irish name, O’Connell, such has been Max’s presence in our lives around South Australian sport! All its positive connotations would remain, too. Max has played and fostered a wide range of sports and

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 Awarded Life Membership of SACUA in 1989

 Max is the only person to have umpired both a Test cricket match and an interstate level AFL match at the MCG

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grand final. Max’s captain was Don McAllister, at that time a future first class player for SA. Success in Woodville High School sport was reflected in Max’s post-school membership of both Port Adelaide District Cricket Club and the SANFL’s Port Adelaide Football Club. Significant success in both sports eventually led to top level umpiring in the two as well. It was hardly surprising, then, to see Max graduate to the black and white uniform of the Test cricket umpire of his era.

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activities throughout his life to an exceedingly high standard for the benefit of all. Even today, it seems his options for actions are limitless. He may be hosting a tour group overseas, participating in an obscure sporting event or conducting

events aimed at helping charities benefit his fellow citizens. Just in recent weeks he has umpired a Moomba charity cricket match, spoken to Port Elliot and Renmark sporting clubs, and entertained wine lovers in the Barossa.

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Max was awarded Life Membership of SACUSA in 1989, in addition to having secured Life Membership of SANFLUA (for services to football umpiring) and Honorary membership of SACA (for services to cricket). He has been awarded a Telecom Order of merit (for services to sport in SA) and has received a Letter of Distinction from the Administrator of the Northern Territory (for services to sport in NT).

Beginning in the 1966/67 season, he was another umpire who progressed rapidly up through the ranks for obvious reasons.

Max umpired his first Sheffield Shield game in 1967/68 and continued on to stand in a total of 51 Shield matches and 35 ’other’ games.

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c o n t r i b u t i o n e a r n s l i f e t i m e ’ r e w a r d s Other highlights for Max have included meeting Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh at the Centenary Test in Melbourne, and enjoying afternoon tea at Windsor Castle with the Royal Party in 1995. He has also experienced the opportunity to umpire a cricket match on the Windsor Castle ground, and has attended Lords - viewing proceedings from the Official Box - at the invitation of the MCC. Meeting and having lunch

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with Robin Gibb (from the Bee Gees) and his wife, Maeve, is also a very fond memory.

Tom Hill, Max, Daryl Harper & Lynton A dream for any Donisthorpe on the occasion of cricket lover is SACUSA’s centenary in 2011, sharing any involvement the auspicious century celebrations with ‘The Don.’ with the Adelaide Oval Scoreboard Max’s opportunities to liaise with his service to cricket from Sir Donald and Lady the man himself are proudly Bradman were always front of Max’s mind. cherished—and reflections on receiving compliments on

A f a m i l y m a n w i t h a c h a r i t a b l e h e a r t , w h o f o u n d h i g h l i g h t s i n a l i t t l e b i t o f c o n t r o v e r s y Anyone who knows Max well will attest as to how proud he is of his family. His son, Lachlan, played A Grade cricket for Glenelg as an opening batsmen, while grand-daughter Maddison has represented her high school in interstate volleyball carnivals during the past two years. Grandson Thomas - nearly 14 at the time of writing - has played in three SA underage cricket teams as well as two representative baseball teams interstate. Daughter Tricia, accompanied her

S u i t a b i l i t y Rule 1: Max’s many years service on the Association Executive Committee, combined with his consistent behaviour as a walking advertisement for cricket umpiring across the globe, demonstrate his sustained affinity with the spirit and

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father to the meeting with Robin Gibb, discovering a Welsh connection as both Mrs Gibb and Tricia’s partner, Richard, are originally from Wales. Max is not one to exclude his family from the busy-ness of a great sporting life.

Another great highlight of Max’s Test career was the ‘replacement’ tour of 1972.

A scheduled tour of South Africa had been cancelled following political and moral protests against the apartheid policies of the South African government.

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objectives of SACUSA. Rule 4: The contribution of Max to SACUSA, umpiring and its administration is clearly significant. His cricket umpiring is still an active part of his life and has been conducted over a period of decades.

In its place a ‘World Team’ visited Australia and played a series of Test standard matches, which were, nonetheless, never officially recognised. Max stood in one of these matches, and witnessed Sir Garfield Sobers score 254—an innings regarded by Sir Donald Bradman as the greatest ever played on Australian soil. Max has officiated in three Women’s Test matches and also umpired in a wonderful 31 carnivals in the NT over a period of 25 years purely in a voluntary capacity.

These social/charity games have become too numerous to count such is the generosity of Max.

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Rule 5: Max has made a contribution to cricket umpiring in SA and Australia which is extensive and exceptional. His motives appear to have always been grounded in a consideration of what is the best action for the game of cricket and for the occupation of umpiring.

Design by Kristen Thomas. Research and content by Max Bartlett © 2014 SACUSA INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME 2013/14 - INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

Season 2013/14

SACUSA Inaugural Hall of Fame

John Wilson (1948—2005) S

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 John’s active umpiring career spanned 22 years, from 1966 until 1988  His Executive Committee career continued uninterrupted from 1974 until 2005  SACUA Grade Cricket Representative on the SACA Grade Cricket Committee for 25 years— being the original instigator, with Peter Weddell, of claiming a SACUA position on that committee  Chairman of the SACA Bylaws Committee from 1975 until 2003  Awarded Life Membership of SACUA in 1984  Recipient of Honorary SACA Membership  Awarded an Australian Sports Medal in 2000

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John’s involvement with SACA Grade Cricket began in the 1966/67 season after attending the winter school for umpires. He umpired 330 grade games, including 15 finals and in excess of 300 A Grade matches. In addition to that he officiated at one Sheffield Shield game (SA v Victoria in December 1980) and three second eleven matches. However, this distinguished on-field career pales in comparison to his commitment to cricket administration after retiring from active umpiring at the end of the 1987/88 season.

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Initially, John showed his computer expertise while employed by the Metropolitan Tramways Trust, and then the Department of Works, to which he contributed for 25 years. The late 1970s proved an extra busy time as John and his wife, Denise, made a

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As cox of the school’s first 8 in the Head of the River competition, John found time to umpire both cricket and football in school contests as well.

Born to parents, Frank and Honour, on 17 December 1948, John was raised in Croydon, and then Myrtle Bank, attending Glen Osmond Primary School.

His secondary education was

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of his university Bachelor of Applied Science (Data Processing) course in 1969.

Subsequently widely acknowledged as an expert in Microsoft desktop software, while working for EDS/Hewlett Packard, John found himself travelling to the four corners of the globe in order to exercise his talent. When not travelling, John was regularly fielding night-time conference calls to ease the time difference issues for his Pacific Rim region clients.

Clearly, John was a person who believed in commitment to anything he felt was worthwhile of his dedication.

Thankfully, SACUA, and South Australian cricket in general, was a huge recipient of John’s loyalty and support.

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family together when their daughter, Julie, and later, their son, Alex, were born. Government outsourcing of contracts in 1996 meant a move for John to EDS, which later merged with Hewlett Packard. Such was their admiration for John, that they approached SACUSA

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after his passing to discuss sponsoring an award in his name that would recognise those who substantially contributed to cricket umpiring each year. The ‘John Wilson Memorial Award’ was born and continues to remember his contribution today.

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was discovered at the age of seven that John’s eyesight would require him to wear glasses for the rest of his life (revealed when he had caught the wrong bus while attempting to come home), his foresight was impeccable. John had the ability to see impending or probable situations before they happened and it was this talent which enabled him to manage The fun and spirit of the game games and cricket administraJohn Frank Palmer Wilson was was always honoured by John. tion so effectively. John’s life Perhaps that is why his given full naming rights by his was cut short after a fatal car parents, Honour (nee John) and dedication to keep a game, accident claimed it in Calgary, sporting environment or Frank Palmer Wilson. Family Canada in 2005. He was 56 sporting organisation alive legend records that the years old. But his legacy lives never faltered. Although it backyard cricket team consisted of John, his brother Chris, and family dog, Tippy.

As chief fielder, Tippy was one day thrown a lemon by one of the boys, after which time the suspicious and clever pet allowed the ball to bounce first before attempting the catch, in order not to be left again with a sour taste in its mouth.

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on in the five people whose lives he changed after donating his organs when his body was no longer of any use to him. And it lives on in the South Australian cricketing environment on which he impacted so positively during his involvement. John died the way that he had lived— giving to others so that standards for everyone could be improved. Halls of fame ensure very special people live on in memory for generations. Perhaps John Wilson was one of those very special people.

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John in 1964, aged about 15, pictured with the Pulteney First XVIII Football team, in his capacity as umpire—the start of his sports officiating career

S u i t a b i l i t y Rule 1: As an Executive Committee member, holding various offices throughout 31 consecutive years service, John stood for everything that SACUA/SACUSA believed in at organizational level. He held the position of President for two years, commencing in the 1977/78 season, and held it again during 2000/01. He—

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along with Peter Weddell— lobbied SACA for Association representation on the Grade Cricket Committee, thereby ensuring that SACUSA’s interests are heard at state management level.

Rule 4: John’s high level contribution to SACUSA, umpiring, cricket and their administration in South

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Australia was extensive, officially lasting 39 years.

Rule 5: ‘Dedication’ could be one of John’s multiple middle names. His commitment was exceptional, and although it is fair to say that he would not avoid conflict if he felt strongly about an issue, John would see such situations through to an agreed conclusion before speaking on behalf of the Association publicly.

Design by Kristen Thomas. Research and content by Max Bartlett © 2014 SACUSA INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME 2013/14 - INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

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Selection Panel Geoff Sando is currently the A Grade Scorer at East Torrens District Cricket Club—a position he has held for a number of years with distinction. He is the co-author, along with Peter Herbert, of 2003’s Parade to Paradise—101 Seasons of East Torrens Cricket and Cricketers 1897-98 to 2002-03.

Geoff possesses an incredibly vast knowledge of South Australia’s historical cricket environment, gathered from decades spent researching players as well as officials. He was approached to join the initial SACUSA Hall of Fame Selection Panel because of his genuine interest in cricketing history, his awareness of officials from a wide range of eras - particularly scorers - and his thorough knowledge of the game. This combination puts Geoff in a unique position to appreciate many facets of the periods in which the inductees were involved. It also allows him to consider them from all angles when assessing the suitability of candidates for possible Hall of Fame induction. The SACUSA Executive Committee and the History Sub-committee believe that Geoff has brought deeply relevant qualities to the Selection Panel and is sincerely indebted to him for giving his expertise and credibility to this project.

Harvey Jolly was the General Manager of Cricket at SACA for over 14 years, retiring in 2009 as a result of a major departmental restructure. A former first class player for SA, who, on his Sheffield Shield debut in 1987, played under the leadership of David Hookes, Harvey began his grade career at Salisbury and later shifted to Christies Beach.

He was a key player in the establishment of Southern Districts Cricket Club into Grade Cricket and has been instrumental in guiding critical evolutionary stages of the South Australian cricketing landscape, including the expansion of indigenous, women’s and fully professional first class cricket. His role in negotiating water supply for grade cricket grounds during the severe drought and Murray River crisis enabled our grade cricket to survive when other competitions collapsed.

When approached by the SACUSA History Sub-committee for inclusion on the Selection Panel, his natural enthusiasm and familiarity with the administration and promotion of the profile of all South Australian stakeholders in cricket, made Harvey a natural and excellent. The SACUSA Hall of Fame is incredibly fortunate in securing Harvey’s professional skills repertoire and SACUSA is genuinely grateful.

Ray Isherwood undertook a highly successful first class umpiring career between 1971 and 1985, officiating in 30 matches, inclusive of three Tests. A Life Member of the Victorian Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (VCAUSA), Ray is now a resident of South Australia and regularly participates in the Easter Crockett Shield festivities and some SACUSA functions.

Immediately delighted when asked to sit on the Hall of Fame Selection Panel, Ray brings first hand knowledge harvested from a lengthy cricket officiating career at elite level, thus possessing true insight into the journey faced by umpires such as those Hall of Fame candidates presented to him. He has the ability to truly evaluate the challenges and factors faced by the individuals who contributed their best work to the South Australian cricketing scene. SACUSA is particularly honoured to be in receipt of Ray’s support for its Hall of Fame, realising that the unique experience he brings to the Panel ensures the establishment of an institution which can be trusted and respected now and in the future.

SACUSA INAUGURAL HALL OF FAME 2013/14 - INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES

Selection Criteria and Guidelines for Induction Candidates to the SACUSA Hall of Fame Rule 1. Candidacy is open to all umpires and scorers meeting the selection criteria who behaved in a manner which was conducive with the spirit and objectives of SACUSA, which was previously known as SACUA (as outlined in SACUSA’s Constitution).

Rule 2. The SACUSA Executive Committee must appoint a Selection Panel of three impartial and independent individuals who consent to decide who the successful inductees will be.

Rule 3. The SACUSA Executive Committee is charged with the task of presenting a shortlist of possible Hall of Fame inductees to the Selection Panel for final inductee selection.

Rule 4. Candidates must have made a very significant contribution to SACUSA, umpiring, scoring or their administration in South Australia over an extended period of time. A candidate’s worthiness is purely at the discretion of the Selection Sub-committee in order to be considered for Hall of Fame nomination.

Rule 5. Candidates must have demonstrated an exceptional dedication to SACUSA, umpiring, scoring or their administration in South Australia and must not have illustrated behaviour that would suggest a conflict with the ideals held by SACUSA during the era in which the candidate actively contributed.

Rule 6. Candidates must not have been actively umpiring or scoring within the cricketing environment for at least two years prior to nomination.

Rule 7. The Hall of Fame must be reviewed at least every two years.

OBJECTIVES OF SACUSA (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

To promote the highest possible standard of cricket umpiring and scoring in cricket matches conducted in South Australia.

To assist in the education of umpires and scorers so that they can fulfil their roles within the game to their best ability.

To promote good fellowship amongst members of SACUSA and foster familiarity in the interpretation of the laws of cricket and relevant playing conditions.

To represent the needs of umpires and scorers to all affiliated Associations and SACA. To foster, encourage and promote the game of cricket and cricket umpiring and scoring throughout South Australia.

To render advice and assistance to affiliated Associations.

Point 3 from The South Australian Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association Incorporated (SACUSA) Constitution 8 August 2012

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