Sticky Wicket Newsletter of the South Australian Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association Established 1911
December 2013
Celebrating Lawrie’s 400
Your Umpire’s Association SACUSA Committee—Main Contacts
SACA
President: Ted Branson - 0448 689 976
Neil Poulton (Umpiring Manager) - 0416 623 518
V. President: Craig Thomas - 0434 165 310 Secretary: Michial Farrow - 0435 872 215
8300 3211 Sarah Fry (Competitions Coordinator) - 0418 674 106
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Treasurer: Lynton Donisthorpe - 0418 317 856
Amy White (Umpire Admin Officer) - 8300 3874
Patron: Neil Dansie
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Sticky Wicket Editor Tim Pellew
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Lawrie Key In the SACA round on 2/9 November Lawrie Key umpired his 400th SACA game. The match was a ‘B’ Grade game between University and East Torrens. Before the game began both teams lined up watch and congratulate Lawrie on this outstanding achievement. Andrew Carver, as a member of the SACA Board, presented Lawrie with a 400 game certificate. Lawrie began umpiring in 1980, so for 33 seasons he has donned his umpiring attire to officiate in games. As Max Bartlett pointed out earlier this year, when Lawrie was accepted as a Life Member of SACUSA, he has a thorough knowledge of the rules and by laws that apply to our games of cricket. It is always a delight to umpire with Lawrie as he has great concentration and enjoys a chat whenever there is a break in play. As one of a few umpires to have achieved 400 games for SACA we salute Lawrie for this outstanding achievement. Graham Slater-Co Umpire for this special occasion
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Breaking News Following on from the last edition of Sticky Wicket, Simon Fry should not only be congratulated for being a finalist for the Sport SA Official of the Year but now for being the Winner! Simon couldn’t be there on the star studded night to collect his award but the report is Neil happily filled his place. (We believe Neil was last seen at a trophy shop having Simon’s name removed and replaced with his own!) GREAT ACHIVEMENT SIMON, ALL OF UMPIRING ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!
Adelaide Oval, Sheffield Shield SA Redbacks V WA Warriors Wednesday13 November 2013 at 1030am was one of the most historic days cricket at Adelaide Oval. It was when the first match ball was bowled on the first drop-in pitch at the oval, and the match played on the new leveled and re-surfaced oval. And of course, it was a chance to see the ongoing development at the oval with the new southern and eastern stands still under construction. Hard to believe that a Test match Australia v England was due to commence on 5 December 2013, with construction or the eastern stand still with 4 months to be completed in time for AFL football to be played at Adelaide Oval. On such an historic day, under a sunny sky, Western Australia won the toss and batted. About 7000 public attended (probably a record for a mid-season, Wednesday, shield match day). For the record Umpires Damien Mealy and Tony Ward were officiating and Umpire Stephen Bernard was the match referee, Rita Artis and Neil Ricketts were the official scorers. With no sight (normal) screens, huge white fabric sheets were draped at each end of the oval. In the north-east sector in front of the scoreboard on the boundary, was a collection of AFL Port Power cheer squad supporters in full AFL colours with banners. Chad Sayers bowled the first over from the south to right hander Cameron Bancroft with left hander Marcus North the non striker. The first ball was fielded by Kelvin Smith at mid-off. Trent Lawford bowled the second over. At over 3.2,the first run was a cover drive four to the western boundary off Lawford by North with Travis Head sliding in an attempt to prevent the four, with a spray of sand off the new-laid turf. Over 7.5, Lawford bowled the first foot fault no ball. At 1120 am, the batters complained that construction workers’ flashing lights off machines shining through the “sight screens” at the southern end were a distraction. Drinks were taken and a 6 minute delay occurred to get the lights turned off. 32 runs were scored in the first hour, and at 22.2 overs, Bancroft lifted Johan Botha for the first six to the south eastern long on boundary.
At 12 12pm, at 24.3 overs Bancroft was the first wicket to fall off Botha, caught by Tom Cooper at regulation mid –on off a front edge. 1 for 62. The morning’s play ended at 1230 pm with WA 1/76 off 30 over, at which time your scribe thought that enough history had been boringly recorded!!!!!!!!! But who knows, this may be important written history one day! Where’s the game going? In the recent Oz v India ODIs, the two teams hit 3,596 runs, 345 fours, 107 sixes, nine centuries, made nine team scores of 300 or more, and five above 350. All in only six matches and 11 completed innings. The average scoring rate was 6.64 runs an over, the average for each wicket 49.26. Smaller boundaries and less fielders outside the “circle” at more times than previous years helped! All to make it more exciting for the spectators. With the rise in popularity of T20 matches (over in a comfortably short time like football) and the obvious promotion of T20 through TV sponsorship, the 50 over game needs such incentives for more runs, and boundaries that the public want.
What are you thinking? ‘Keepers gloves Law 40.1 states that the wicket-keeper is permitted to wear gloves: ie doesn’t have to! If the ‘keeper chooses to wear gloves, is there a case for the gloves having to be worn at all times that the ball is not dead? Think about it: put forward your thoughts for or against the idea in Sticky Wicket? Bowlers’ Finger Protection Has anyone had experience of spinners, in particular, having band aid/tape protection on spinning finger/ s? Law 41.1 states that “protection for the hand or fingers may be worn only with consent of the umpires.” It may be that the bowler has a genuine bad injury to, say, a finger: it may also be that use of such protection is giving the bowler better grip or spinning ability. I believe that Sri Lankan unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis was forced by the umpires in a test match to remove tape from a finger. QUIZ 1: Umpires’ Mistake It’s a senior’s match. The striker notices that there is a fielding infringement with a) either 3 fielders behind square leg or b) in a short form match, less than the required number of fielders inside the “circle”. Knowing that it will be called a no ball, he has a big swing and is caught. Neither umpire called no ball. The batter points out to the umpire the fielding error that is still evident. What do you do? (Refer to comment later in this issue). QUIZ 2: Hit Wicket In a 2 day senior men’s match a caution and final warning have been given for above shoulder short pitched fast deliveries (ie bouncers) in one over. In the same over the bowler sends down another above shoulder bouncer that in avoiding the ball, the striker steps on his wicket, much to the joy of the appealing fielding team. What now?
(Refer to comment later in this issue).
Coaches corner Young Umpires It has been a pleasure to go out to observe some of our younger umpires. Sean McCullum recently made a century playing U14, Abhi Jeyakkumar is also still playing, as is Nicholas Wilson. Looks like a good crop of juniors coming up for Easter 2015. These 3 young umpires are doing a great job for their age and have already gained the respect and admiration of most players and coaches in games they have umpired. Several of our older new umpires are also performing extremely well and their efforts have gained very favourable comments from Umpire Coaches, Captains and Coaches as well as feedback I have received from their partners. To our experienced umpires who are able to pass on small tips to newer umpires we thank you but remember the information overload can be quite overwhelming. Try to highlight just 3 things you feel will assist new umpires in how they do things and let them have the next week to absorb it. Just remember your early days. Bill Penley
News from Facebook Just two years ago Sarah Thamm led her South Australian team in the Cricket Australia Under-15 Female Championships in Sydney. Last week the seventeen year old returned to New South Wales to participate in the tournament, but this time in a different capacity – as an umpire. Although still playing in the Women’s A Grade for Port Adelaide Cricket Club in South Australia’s district competition, Thamm began umpiring last season to do something a little different whilst helping her finances. Following in her mum’s footsteps, who is also an accredited umpire, Thamm believes her involvement in umpiring has helped her learn more about her own game in a fun environment. Currently involved in the Adelaide Turf Cricket Association, Thamm has overseen a number of A3/A4 and Under-17 fixtures – all of which have been male participants. But Thamm encourages other females who might be considering taking up the important role, as it’s not only the best seat in the house, but also a great learning experience. In order to attend the Championships, the Adelaide High School student was required to sit her exams a week early. Mature beyond her years, Thamm will next year complete Year 12 before embarking into the Australian Defense Force Academy as a pilot. Thamm represents Australian Cricket’s promotion of female umpires and a pathway that is inviting and inclusive for both males and females. In order to improve the opportunities for female umpires moving into the High Performance/First Class system, Cricket Australia has just released a grant scheme that states can access to help encourage and develop female officials. Full Story available on the Cricket Australia website http://www.cricket.com.au/news-list/2013/12/11/sarah-thamm
In more National Representation news, Craig Thomas, by all reports and rumours is doing an outstanding job at the Under 19 National Male Championships
Do you have any photos or memorabilia from any cricket umpiring or scoring eras in South Australia from the last 100 years? The History Committee would love to record them within various history projects that are being organised for SACUSA. If you have anything you think would be of interest, and you would be willing to lend for recording purposes, please contact either Max at max.bartlett1@internode.on.net , Ed at ebranson@internode.on.net or Kristen at cricketwidow@y7mail.com our aim is to collect a comprehensive history of the Association of the last century and make it accessible for those interested in our journey.
What are you thinking? Comment on “QUIZ 1: Umpires’ Mistake” The umpires’ decision is final and the batter is given out caught. The batter is guilty of dissent! (would you?) Of interest, former English Test Umpire John Holder on this exact matter is of the opinion that if both umpires are happy that in fact no ball should have been called and that it is quite clear that it can be shown to the fielding captain that the offending fielders are still in their “no ball positions”, there is no shame in admitting a mistake and calling and signaling no ball. (Ed;That would be a game call). But how far does that go? What if a quick, say, bowler clean bowls a batter and you saw that it was a front foot no ball but for some reason did not call it. Do you call it after the stumps are shattered and face the angry fielding side for such a late call????? So be alert: there have been many times that a non-striker has commented to an umpire “What about the no ball Ump?” Any comments for Sticky Wicket from our readers? Yes: In a local limited overs match, a fast bowler had the batter almost slipping as he defended with a shot that eventually missed bat and passed between him and close to the leg stump. The ball went for a boundary four. The umpire signaled wide (leg side wide) and four (ie 5 wides scored). The fielding captain pointed out to the umpire that the ball passed between batter and leg stump and thus was not a wide call! The umpire realized that the captain was correct and that he, the umpire, had was in error. The umpire acknowledged the mistake, rescinded the wide call and signaled four byes. The non-striker protested violently but the umpire responded that he was happy to admit and correct a mistake in this instance. (Ed. Gutsy call Ump.) Comment on “QUIZ 2:Hit Wicket”
At the third bouncer the umpire should call no ball. A striker is not out hit wicket off a no ball. Note that if the bouncer was very high above the striker’s head, wide may be the correct call in which case hit wicket would apply! But you are still not finished: when the ball is dead, the umpire must caution the bowler for bowling three bouncers (be they no balls or a high wide in an over); if he does so again, it’s a final warning, and after a third over with three or more bouncers, the bowler must be removed from the attack for the rest of the innings. Smart Response It has happened !!! Martin Bradshaw seems to have a complex about looking up to his fellow umpires and dreads being partnered by Geoff Behn or Tim Pellew. Just recently I went to observe his performance in a Ray Sutton Shield match and thought he had lost many kilos. When I had a closer look it was definitely Martin at the Southern End and his partner, Nick Wilson, was shorter. I think he now has at least two young umpires that look up to him, the other being Sean McCullum.
It’s Just a Game! “S in the Bag A bright young Scottish lad named Hamish had the opportunity to go to university in London. So he packed his bags and said good-bye to his mother and left the highlands for the big city. After the first week his mother called to see how her boy was holding up. "I love it here Mother," Hamish told her, "but these English students are the oddest people ever! Why, the boy who lives in the dormitory room next to me bangs his head against the wall until midnight every night. And the boy in the room above me stomps around until midnight every night. And the boy right below me blasts his stereo until midnight every night." "Why don't you complain to the Dean?" asks his mother. "Well, it doesn't bother me much," answers Hamish. "I'm usually up until that time quietly practicing my bagpipes anyway." Sobering In 1964, a touring Commonwealth team played a Malaysian team in Kuala Lumpur. The star of the touring team was Garry Sobers. A large crowd watched in expectation of a mighty innings from Sobers (as he so often did easily!). He was bowled first ball! But to please the crowd, his bowling proved not too bad, taking wickets with five consecutive balls. (What a coincidence: I recently had lunch with an Indian/Malaysian friend during his quick visit to Adelaide. I played cricket with him in Adelaide and in Malaysia. I related this story to him and he said “yes, I was there!” Ed)
Merv’s Complicated Hat Trick At the WACA in 1988-89 Merv Hughes completed a hat trick over three different days. He had Curtly Ambrose caught behind with the last ball of one day, then ended West Indies' first innings by removing Patrick Patterson with his first ball of day two After Australia batted, Merv opened the bowling in the West Indies' second innings and completed his hat-trick by trapping Gordon Greenidge lbw with his first ball. A hat trick taking three overs and in more than three days. And he finished with 8/87! Merv’s Sledge Response
Javed Miandad whilst batting against Merv Hughes once called him a fat bus conductor: Merv bowled him with his next ball and loudly demanded, “Tickets please!” Dry Humour Paddy and Mick were walking along a street in London. Paddy looked in one of the shop windows and saw a sign that caught his eye. The sign read, "Suits £5.00 each, Shirts £2.00 each, Trousers £2.50 per pair". Paddy said to his pal, "Mick look at the prices! We could buy a whole lot of those and when we get back to Ireland we could make a fortune. Now when we go in you stay quiet, okay? Let me do all da talking 'cause if they hear our accents, they might think we're thicko's from Ireland and try to screw us. I'll put on me best English accent. That I’m good at ‘n’ all that" “Roight y'are Paddy, Oi’ll keep me mouth shut, so I will. You’ll do all da business" said Mick.
They go in and Paddy said in a posh English voice, "Hello my good man. I'll take 50 suits at £5.00 each, 100 shirts at £2.00 each, and 50 pairs of trousers at £2.50 each. I'll back up me truck ready to load 'em on, so I will." The owner of the shop said quietly, "You're from Ireland, aren't you?" "Well yes," said a surprised Paddy. "What gave it away?" The owner replied, "This is a dry-cleaners."
Sticky Wicket, your SACUSA Committee and the Board and Staff of SACA Wish all umpire’s and their families a safe and happy Christmas. Thank you for your contribution to our great game. Bring on 2014!