Cricket: Umpires enjoy judgment days at top level

Rod Newton (left), and Bill Irvine, Bay of Plenty Cricket premier umpires, are in the thick of the action at Bay Oval this week. Photo/Andrew Warner

More than 20 top New Zealand cricketers are sure to get plenty out of this week's camp at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval, but two well-known local cricket identities will most enjoy being part of the first-class cricket.

Umpires Bill Irvine and Rod Newton are among those called up to officiate in the daily Twenty20 games between Otago and a combined Northern Districts and New Zealand side.

The pair were clearly relishing the occasion as the likes of Grant Elliot, Peter Fulton and Ronnie Hira returned to the grass nets after a short rain delay.

"I've never played first class and never umpired first class," said Irvine

"I've done age-group stuff but that's the highest level I've umpired at.

"It's a big thrill. I've seen a lot of these guys coming through the age groups - even some of the Otago boys. I saw them when they were playing in the under-14s and under-15s. A few of them could really play, even then.

"Jimmy Neesham is one in particular that I'm looking forward to catching up with. He was playing for Auckland in the under-15s and he was nicknamed the White Rhino."

Irvine began umpiring before the 2002/03 season and is eager to stand in judgment of another season of Bay of Plenty premier cricket.

"I'm looking forward to another summer and will hopefully carry on how I finished off last season.

"I was on a high at the end of the season, but I had one bad moment, or one bad game, and I was ready to flag it but I'm all fired up again."

Bill and Rod's great adventure begins at 1pm daily up to and including Friday, though Bill is not scheduled to stand today or Friday.