The information below is sent via Elliot Spurling, Training Officer of Suffolk Association of Umpires and Scorers……………

Please note that these courses are FREE

“The Association is going to hold sessions before the start of next season to teach the basics of umpiring.  A similar session has been held years previously and greater education regarding umpiring would be beneficial to lifting the quality of the game where there are no neutral umpires present.

These will be 2 hours long on a Sunday afternoon and are aimed at those who umpire the game as a member of the batting side. Typically, Two Counties Division 3 or below and Sunday League matches.  Those who are considering attendance but play at a higher level are still encouraged to come – this is an opportunity for you to see how our brains work during a match!

Although a portion would be spent towards the Laws of the game itself, time would also be dedicated towards more practical elements. This includes signalling, positioning, communication and game management.

The dates booked are 11/Feb at the Victory Ground, Bury St Edmunds and also 25/Feb at Chantry Park, Ipswich. The start time would be 2pm in both cases.

The sessions are being put on for free – this is the Association giving back to the wider cricketing community and sharing our knowledge for all.”

Contact Elliot Spurling if you wish to attend:

ELLIOT SPURLING – 01284 760442, 07810 744213

This course is designed to give new umpires the key skills, knowledge and confidence to stand as an umpire in cricket. No prior experience of umpiring in cricket is required before attending the course.

Whether you plan to support Junior Softball cricket through to adult cricket, this course will cover the following topics:

– Understanding the role of the umpire
– Gain a basic understanding of umpiring the game
– Answering appeals and the common methods of dismissal
– How to communicate effectively with all stakeholders in the game
– Judging whether or not it is safe to play

The course is split into classroom and practical learning, so we recommend learners to come dressed appropriately.

Learners will be asked to complete some e-learning prior to attending the course, which will take no more than 90 minutes to complete in total. Pre-learning can be completed via multiple visits or in one go.

Pre-requisites:
Learners must be 14 years of age at the time of the course.

Cost £70.00

Post course, learners will have the confidence and competence to go and umpire at appropriate levels within recreational cricket.

Venue: St Joseph’s College, Belstead Road Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 9DR
Date: Sunday 3rd March

Booking is arranged via the ECB – to book for the full course at St Jo’s and the e-learning course  : Click Here

It is with regret that we inform you that Edie Bradley passed away recently in hospital.  John Bradley, husband of many years, was Treasurer of the Two Counties for several years from 1987 and is an Honorary Vice President.  Edie was a friendly, popular and efficient Health Professional for very many years and will be sorely missed by John and the rest of the family.  We send our condolences to them.  Further details will be posted when they are available.

As promised the link to the Radio Suffolk interview with David Gower conducted by Nick Garnham of Suffolk Cricket is below:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0gqd9mb

You will need to scroll to 1hr 8 minutes

A very enjoyable was had by all at the 2023 Presentation Evening held at Venue 16. After the dinner,  the winning clubs were presented with their cups and shields by guest speaker “Lord” David Gower. Following on from the presentations, David entertained the audience with a series of amusing anecdotes, in particular relating to his time as England Captain. With all formalities completed, David was happy to pose for photographs and to sign autographs.

David played 117 Tests and 114 One-Day Internationals for England.  An elegant left-handed bat, who led England to victory in the 1985 Ashes, entertained the audience with stories about his time in both international and county cricket.  He has had a successful career as a cricket commentator and television personality since his retirement and told anecdotes about some of the great players he encountered.

These included tales about fellow Englishmen Sir Ian Botham and Graham Gooch as well as West Indies legend Sir Viv Richards and the late, great Australian leg spinner Shane Warne. Gower played with Warne at Hampshire, where he now lives, after leaving Leicestershire.

He was also interviewed before the event by reporter Nick Garnham from Suffolk Cricket and this interview can be heard on Radio Suffolk at around 3pm this Saturday 18th November.

A big thank you to the organising committee and a thank you for all those attending.

The picture below shows David with some of the Two Counties Committee and other guests.

Entirely down to me this but the information published yesterday in the EADT and other local papers contained errors on the Ladies winners for season 2023;

It should read:

Ladies Performance Winners  –  Copdock and Old Ipswichian

West Division – Mildenhall

Central Division – Ipswich and East Suffolk

East Division – Mistley

Apologies…………………..