An Umpire's Day

A tale from Down-under at the SCG by Andy M

I have had some great experiences as an umpire here but none  as memorable as last Monday, November 3rd at SCG. The Primary Club run an annual event at the SCG in order to raise money for the disabled. The day's cricket which starts at 7am and finishes at  9pm is rounded off with a gala dinner and celebrity speakers.

 

As an umpire involved I was allocated a mini game in the afternoon between a Northern Territories Indigenous XI and a New South Wales Indigenous XI. There were some talented players on view and the match was played in a great spirit . There was a photo taken before the game of both sides with the umpires; myself and Peter Mullaney of Sydney.

The 'big screen' was on and that was surreal seeing oneself on it  . All in all it was a nerve racking and exciting feeling as I umpired on the famous square, thankfully no umpiring mishaps.When you are out in the middle you just concentrate on the game . I now look on the guys who umpire big games with large crowds with renewed respect..the ground when full must seem a very daunting place especially if you know you have made a mistake. AM