SPORTS

The view from the middle

Friday,  February 3, 2006

Standing in the middle as an official in a cricket match can be a high-risk activity. At the international level there are cameras at almost every angle ready to expose any error in judgement. 

At the domestic level such scrutiny is non-existent but the probability of verbal abuse is ever present. When tempers flare on and off the field the physical safety of cricket umpires could also be threatened.

Even here on these Islands there have been reports of poor behaviour by our cricketers and when teams and/or individuals appear exceptionally disciplined they should be given due praise.

My first umpiring duty in almost a year at the Jimmy Powell Oval last Sunday was not without its challenges but it turned out to be an intense battle played between two evenly matched clubs in a healthy competitive spirit. That one team had to leave West Bay having been defeated was unfortunate as the exchanges were so intense that a tie would have been a fitting result.

Both teams deserve equal credit for the level of sportsmanship and co-operation. I have stood in several local matches over the past few years and I can readily give Esso and Environmental All Stars grade A for the manner in which they conducted themselves on Sunday.

Much of the credit must go to the captains, Alvan Babb of Esso and Keneil Irvin of All Stars. The newly promoted Esso team won the opening fixture against Greenies the previous week and would have been looking to continue that winning form against a team that has struggled over the last few seasons. There was no doubt who was in charge as Babb, a former Police player and captain, kept his troops alert and in line.

Early in the All Stars innings Babb, fielding at slip, and some of the close fielders seemed convinced they had All Stars’ key batsman Irvin, caught by wicket keeper Ryan Ebanks. Irvin stood his ground and the dreaded finger stayed down. Though obviously disappointed, Babb quickly had his players back on task without any fuss.

The response of the bowler Ezra Hewitt underlined the high level of discipline shown as he softly remarked to the ‘umpie’, while tapping him gently on the shoulder, “I am sure he edged it, but never mind.”

Just a couple overs later Hewitt had the same batsman well caught by Babb at second slip.

Hewitt is in his first season with Esso after representing the Greenies. Mysteriously, he did not seem to be an automatic selection for them. On Sunday he performed with the ball as well as I have ever seen him and was easily the most outstanding bowler on show. With a bit more urgency in the field he can become an even more valuable asset to Esso.

The quality of the cricket was equal to the standard of behaviour. Apart form Hewitt there were good bowling performances from Wayne Cato and, Donovan Williams of Esso. Babb showed great athleticism in catching Irvin at slip on the second attempt and was responsible for another catch and two run outs, including a spectacular direct hit from cover. 

Derrick Williams, Dave Wilson, Ugal Sicard and David ‘Preacher’ Johnson were the most effective bowlers for All Stars. Johnson was expensive on occasion but held his nerve well in the crucial final over to remove Ebanks for a top score of 64 and Tony Higgins as All Stars won by six runs.

Ebanks (64) and Wilson (67) shared the batting honours in the match but Tim Bridges, the All Stars opener, also impressed with a mature and patient innings of 34 as he helped Wilson add 82 for the sixth wicket to rescue All Stars from 41 for five.

Both clubs proved that excellent, absorbing cricket can be played in a true sporting spirit. If the other teams take cue, there will be no need for the disciplinary committee to meet this season.

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