NORTH ZONE CRICKET UMPIRES AND SCORERS ASSOCIATION QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER Issue 3 • Vol 1 August 2009 Nero does Regional Umpires proud in the UK The umpiring fraternity in Trinidad and Tobago that the success of the exchange programme should not be measured in terms and by extension the wider Caribbean region of the number of matches but on the experiences gained both on and o the was recently given a tremendous boost when cricket eld. He is willing to share what he has learnt with his colleagues in an Mr. Peter Nero became the rst West Indian e ort to help improve the general standard of umpiring in Trinidad and Tobago umpire to participate in the Umpire Exchange and the region. Nero remains adamant that the programme has tremendous Programme between the England and Wales bene ts and believes it will assist regional umpiring in the coming years. Cricket Board and the West Indies Cricket However, he declared that only the future will tell if success was achieved as a Board. result of this exchange programme in 2009. Nero’s visit to England spanned four weeks from We at the North Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (NZCUSA) would May 21st to June 22nd 2009. Whilst there, he like to congratulate Mr. Peter Nero on this signi cant accomplishment. It o ciated in ve matches, four of which were augurs well for the game and the overall development of umpiring; we wish at county level. His visit follows that of English him continued success in the future. umpire Mr. Richard Kettleborough to the West Indies in February of this year, who stood in three rst class (regional) games including Trinidad and Tobago versus Leeward Islands at UWI Grounds in St Augustine along with Mr. Rawle Richards. A Sta Sergeant with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Nero has been umpiring for over nine years and was subsequently promoted to the regional Peter Nero and ICC panel in 2005. Mr. Peter Nero made his debut in regional rst class competition Umpire Nigel Llong at in February 2007 and has since stood in one (1) limited overs and three (3) Trent Bridge. four-day regional matches. With the completion of his stint in England, his rst class tally has moved to ve games. He has also o ciated in the two (2) West Indies Players Association (WIPA) 20/20 nals, played to date. In addition he o ciated in a one-day tour match between the visiting England team and a representative team from the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) in April 2009 played in Trinidad. INSIDE THIS ISSUE The experience gained on this trip to England was indeed ‘priceless’ to his Leo Leopold: 83 Not Out - Page 3 overall development as a world class umpire, according to Nero and the Bucknor Elected President - Page 6 exposure was, “simply fantastic. It enabled me to umpire under di erent Sledging in the Game - Page 7 conditions including, weather, culture, facilities and players”. He explained 2 NZCU&SA QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 3 NZCU&SA QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER EDITORIAL by Dominic Hinds The Game We Once Knew I remember as a little boy my grandfather telling West Indies cricket you have to understand the indeed reached its peak throughout that period me he was going to take me to the Oval for the culture of the West Indian people because it due to the success of the team which was one of very rst time to see a cricket match between indeed goes beyond the boundary”. Whether we invincibility. the West Indies and Australia. He was an ardent choose to believe it or not, all of us have been cricket supporter, and seeing him many nights connected by the game of cricket because it is the But sadly, interest in the game at home has been listening to the cricket broadcast over the radio, single most common language spoken by all our on the decline for some time. Even the most die- and often being told about all the great West hard of supporters is now questioning his/her Indian players of the past, one could have easily CARICOM neighbours and it de nitely unites us as a people. allegiance. The gains that were previously made understood why I became so intrigued by this are slowly digressing in another direction and it’s fascinating game at such a young age. But cricket is not just sport to West Indians; it painful to watch. I was so excited the night before that I didn’t get has given us the respect and recognition since much sleep anticipating how it would be, and post colonization. It showed the world that we West Indies cricket is at the crossroads and if therefore allowing myself to be overwhelmed had indeed belonged on the world stage and allowed to continue will de nitely run the risk of with anxiety. The following day as promised my demonstrated what a small group of islands can being an ‘also ran sport’. grandfather took me to the Oval and up to this achieve, and in so doing made us truly believe in Keeping our rich legacy alive and reconnecting day I still have vivid memories of Andy Roberts our ambitions. We nally became independent bowling Australian Bruce Laird for 122. The to the game, which has brought us so much, is at that point. And that was signi cant, because of critical importance. In addition to which, the batsman’s stumps was sent cart-wheeling; but it subsequently led to numerous opportunities the passion and emotion that was evoked on that pool of persons being attracted to the game is day by all remains etched in my mind forever. The overseas for our players. becoming thinner and thinner by each passing degree of intimacy felt therefore propelled me to day. follow the game even more over the years. This of course spurred immense interest in the game, which led to the tremendous support both D’ Day is upon us. Only time will tell if the powers The late author C.L.R. James once said in his book at home and abroad because it represented our that be can clearly resolve these issues. The clock Beyond the Boundary, “in order to understand strength as a unit. The passion for the game had is ticking. “My only regret is that I am not Leopold played cricket with becoming very much involved in the ioneers of as young as before.”... These are the the Club Wigan/Speyroyal Narvo as a game and the Association to date. P words expressed by one who succinctly medium fast bowler, a position which At the age of 83 years he is still summed up his genuine love, he thought was where his skills for the going strong, Leopold continues to be commitment and desire for this lovely game were best displayed. He enjoyed a great exemplar to the game; and his game called cricket. These sentiments every bit of it and took the criticisms achievement over the years has not can also be identi ed by all of us in the along with ‘the pat on the back’ all in gone unnoticed by the Association and cricket fraternity whether as an o cial, good stride. his colleagues. We thank Mr. Leopold player or just a spectator of the game. He told ‘Behind the Stumps’ for his invaluable contribution and his The Association is pleased to that it was his tenure at the West Ham shared knowledge to all. highlight the outstanding career of United Cricket Club in Carenage that This distinguished gentleman Mr. Leo Leopold, an astute gentleman made him stay committed to umpiring, de nitely represents ’the spirit of the who continues to make a signi cant and continued with his ambitions of game.’ contribution not only to NZCUSA T e but also to the national cricketing he Gam community. After being introduced to the Cricket Umpire eld of umpiring by one Mr. Davis, a former lecturer of NZCUSA there was Leo Leopold no turning back. He o cially joined the NZCUSA in 1972, wanting to become the best at ‘it’, he became fully quali ed 83 Not Out... in 1973. Over the years his love for umpiring continued to grow by leaps Leopold (centre) with family members at NZCUSA and still going and bounds. Christmas dinner 2008. 4 NZCU&SA QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER Umpires and Scorers Association Celebrate Sports & Family day The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Umpires and Scorers Council held their Annual Sports and Family Day on June 28th 2009 at the NCC, Balmain, Couva. As some of the photos show, the day was indeed an exciting one lled with Fun!!!, Fun!!! and more FUN!!!. In the end it was just about putting all cricketing activities aside for a day and taking the opportunity to catch up with friends, families and colleagues in a relaxing environment. 1 Congratulations !! to all the winners on the day. 2 3 THE PHOTOS 4 1) Members of NZCUSA at TTCUSC’s Family Day 2009. -photo by Perry Galindo 2) Victorious NORTH (North and East Zone Members) cricket team.-photo by Perry Galindo 3) O to the races, Umpire Clyde Cumberbatch takes an early lead. -photo by Perry Galindo 4) Tug of war in full swing. -photo by Perry Galindo 5 NZCU&SA QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 5 6 North Zone Cricket 7 Umpires in the Mix 8 5) Mr. Deryck Murray President of the TTCB meets NZCUSA’s Mr. Gar eld Hodge prior to the Carib 20/20 Finals at the Queen’s Park Oval on March 21st, 2009.