On the cricket front, he managed the Poverty Bay Year 7 boys’ team at the Riverbend camp in 2016 and is now the Bay’s point of contact with Northern Districts regional training officer Doug Cowie.
Trowill’s introduction to club cricket here was as a player and it was, literally, an eye-opener.
Trowill was opening for Horouta, and the first ball he faced from Pirates opening bowler Dane Thompson whizzed past his grill.
“Welcome to Gisborne cricket, son,” said Pirates skipper Brad Reynolds.
Trowill is delighted with the support and encouragement he has received from Poverty Bay and Northern Districts.
Trowill and Stewart Patrick will be the regular local umpires, and will receive support from Northern Districts scholarship umpire and Gisborne Boys’ High School Year 10 student Luke Fisher.
Of the more experienced umpires, Gary Coutts, Graeme Black and Don Cook have retired, while Tony Lee hopes to resume umpiring in the new year.
“I’d like to see at least one player from every club trained as a Level 1 or Level 2 umpire,” Trowill said.
“I’ve been told that Tony Lee, Gary Coutts, Graeme Black and Don Cook played and coached cricket. They understand the game.”
Trowill will be one of eight officials standing in the ND senior secondary schoolboys’ tournament at Harry Barker Reserve from December 9 to 13.
He gave this advice to aspiring umpires.
“Think about every single decision that you have to make and — most importantly — don’t just fire batsmen out.”
