NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐒𝐖 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭

Cricket is built on the dedication of people who give their time, expertise and passion to make the game better for everyone. This month we celebrate two remarkable individuals whose service has left a lasting impact on cricket across New South Wales, while also acknowledging key leadership milestones within the Sydney Cricket Association.

The Sydney Cricket Association (SCA) held their 40th AGM at Cricket Central on August 10.

Congratulations to Geoff Garland who was honoured with the 40th SCA Life membership for his contribution to UNSWCC, Sydney University CC and Epping Bulls CC, as well as the NSWCUSA.

Geoff has given sustained and exemplary service to our Association since joining in 1991. He served as a member of the Training Committee, Mentor, On Field Umpire Observer, Board Director and as Chairman for five years. Geoff umpired 494 men’s premier cricket fixtures, 134 of which were in first grade. He was made a Life member of NSWCUSA in 2019 and is a proud Life member of UNSWCC being the club’s inaugural first grade captain.

Paul Goldsmith was elected the new SCA Chairman for 2026-27 after Graham Gorrie stood down from the position having served with distinction for seven seasons.

Graham will continue on the SCA Committee of Management as Deputy Chairman alongside other elected committee members Warwick Adlam, Andrew Falk, Brian Freedman and Alan Wright.

Congratulations also to Ben Treloar on being honoured with Life membership of NSWCUSA, becoming the 59th Life member of the Association at a Special General Meeting held on July 1.

Ben has made an outstanding contribution to the Association, on and off field. Prior to his employment as Education Officer for the NSWCUSA, Ben was a dedicated and talented volunteer trainer. His work in this space is world class. We believe Ben to be the best Umpire Educator in the world.

Ben is self-effacing, but equally determined to do what is right for NSWCUSA in helping the organisation achieve its purpose. He has given time to so many members, willing to share his experience to benefit others.

Ben has displayed significant focus and resilience in his role with the Association, successfully balancing this with his umpiring workload as a member of the Cricket Australia Contracted Umpire Panel.

He is self-reliant, possesses excellent inter-personal and communication skills, and wonderful knowledge of the Laws of Cricket. In terms of Law knowledge, application and ability to teach the Laws, Ben sets the standard.

He has displayed outstanding commitment, desire, passion, and an authentic work ethic. Ben promotes a positive image of himself and umpiring. He and his work are respected State-wide because of the incredible commitment Ben has displayed to education and development of umpires in our New South Wales Country Zones.

Ben is such a wonderful role model, a culture carrier for the NSWCUSA, and he doesn’t pick and choose when he sets example. He leads by example all the time. Ben is respected and he, what he says, his messages, are trusted. He has always been fully committed to the NSWCUSA and this is why the Board was unanimous in its view that he be made a Life member.

Congratulations to Geoff Garland and Ben Treloar on these richly deserved honours, and congratulations to Paul Goldsmith on his election as SCA Chairman.

The strength of cricket in New South Wales is shaped by people who lead, mentor, educate and serve with humility and commitment. Geoff and Ben exemplify those qualities and have made a lasting contribution to generations of players, umpires and administrators. Their achievements are worthy of recognition and celebration.

🏏 2026–27 WBBL Umpiring Panel

Cricket Australia has selected 38 umpires to officiate in the 2026–27 WBBL season.

Congratulations to all umpires selected, including our seven New South Wales representatives:

👏 Mitchell Claydon 📷
👏 Jeff Egan
👏 Roberto Howard
👏 Patrick Jackson
👏 Sharad Patel 📷
👏 Claire Polosak
👏 Kate Rowlands

We wish them all the very best for the upcoming WBBL season! 🏏

🎉 Happy 90th Birthday to Dick French! 🎂

Yesterday, we celebrated a remarkable milestone for Dick French, NSWCUSA Co-Patron and one of the most distinguished figures in NSW and Australian cricket umpiring.

Dick’s incredible contribution to the game includes:

🏏 19 Test matches (1977–1987)
🏏 56 ODIs (1979–1988)
🏏 42 Sheffield Shield matches (1976–1988), including 3 Shield Finals
🏏 10 years as President of the NSW Cricket Umpires Association
🏏 Former CA National Umpire Selector
🏏 Life Member of NSWCUSA
🏏 Life Member of the NSW Cricket Association

In 1996, Dick was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to cricket, recognising an outstanding career and a lifetime of dedication to the game.

From his time on the field to his leadership and service off it, Dick has made an enormous contribution to umpiring in NSW and Australia.

Happy 90th birthday, Dick! 🎈👏

Congratulations to our NSWCUSA representatives selected for 2026-27 Cricket Australia National Championships.

Cricket Australia has announced the umpiring squads for the upcoming U19 Female, U19 Male and U17 Male National Championships, with six Cricket NSW representatives selected across the tournaments.

Selected umpires:

• Jeff Egan (U17 Male)
• Patrick Jackson (U19 Male)
• Bob McGregor (U19 Female)
• Leone Mizzi (U19 Female)
• Kate Rowlands (U19 Male)
• Nic Warburton (U19 Female)

We are incredibly proud to see all members of the NSW State Umpire Panel earn selection and represent our state on the national stage.

We also congratulate NSWCUSA members Ben Farrell (QLD), Syed Humayun (ACT) and Lauren McGill (WA) on their appointments.

We wish all match officials an enjoyable and successful tournament season.

The NSW Country Umpire Representative Panel (CURP) has been announced, and we offer congratulations and best wishes to the following NSWCUSA members on their selection for season 2026-27:

Dave Cullen (Greater Illawarra) – Cap #44
James Figallo (Central Coast) – Cap #48
Greg Jones (Western) – Cap #39
Keiran Knight (Newcastle) – Cap #55
Michael Meehan (North Coastal) – Cap #61
Rodney Porter (Central Northern) – Cap #59
Phil Rainger (Newcastle) – Cap #42
Steve Wade (Newcastle) – Cap #58

James Figallo and Michael Meehan have been elevated to the CURP. James returns to the panel having previously served as a member from 2017-2019. He has also umpired 113 matches in NSW Men’s Premier Cricket, including 32 first grade and 38 T20 Cup fixtures. Michael, a respected first grade umpire in Sydney, has relocated to the country and will be officiating in the Coffs Harbour District Cricket Association in season 2026-27. He has been included on the CURP for the first time, the 61st umpire since the panel was formed in season 1991-92. Michael has umpired 172 NSW Men’s Premier Cricket matches, including 51 in first grade and 20 T20 Cup fixtures. James and Michael are excellent inclusions on the Country Panel, we look forward to their involvement in Country Cricket NSW representative programs in the coming season.

The CURP was selected by Independent Country Umpire Selectors, Bruce Baxter and Graham Chudleigh. Our thanks are offered to Bruce and Graham for their commitment to the umpires and the process. Their knowledge of cricket and umpiring is impeccable. They observed umpires at country cricket carnivals in recent seasons and possess an admirable understanding of the country umpiring pathway and those umpires involved.

Congratulations are offered to Neil Findlay on his reappointment as Country Umpire Coach for the 2026-27 season. Neil does an outstanding job working with our Country Panel umpires. He supports them through the process of preparing their season development plan, reviews and provides feedback on umpire self-assessments, provides detailed feedback to umpires through his match day observations, working with the umpires in a holistic coaching sense in their search for improvement. Neil has created a high performance culture among our country representative umpires. Neil is an asset to the NSWCUSA, to the umpires with whom he works and to Country Cricket NSW as a match referee in its representative programs. Neil’s dedication to his coaching role has seen an improvement in umpiring standards. We acknowledge Neil, thank him for his commitment and ongoing involvement.

Brenton Harrison and Murray Le Lievre stood down from the CURP at the end of season 2025-26, both umpires of high quality. Their commitment to the panel, to their colleagues and to cricket in their local district associations (Brenton – Griffith and Murray – Wagga Wagga) was first-class. Brenton served as a member of the CURP for six seasons and Murray for three. We acknowledge Brenton and Murray with appreciation, thank them for their service and wish them the very best in their future endeavours.

Jeff Egan and Kate Rowlands also depart the Country Panel. They have been selected on the NSW State Umpire Panel. Their representative focus in season 2026-27 will be on their umpiring commitments in Cricket Australia programs. We thank Jeff and Kate for their commitment to country representative cricket and wish them the very best. Residing in Temora, Jeff will continue to umpire in Cricket Wagga Wagga while Kate, based in Casino, will umpire in the Far North Coast Cricket Council LJ Ho**er League when their Premier Cricket and Cricket Australia umpiring commitments allow.

Country Cricket NSW representative programs for season 2026-27 are close to being confirmed. Our Country Panel umpires will be involved throughout, we also look forward to them officiating in Men’s Premier Cricket first grade fixtures throughout the season as part of the NSWCUSA program to provide meaningful development experiences for our country resident umpires.

The NSW State Umpire Panel for season 2026-27 has been announced, and we offer congratulations to:

Jeff Egan
Patrick Jackson
Bob McGregor
Kate Rowlands
Nic Warburton

Bob and Nic have been included for the first time, both having performed to an excellent standard in recent seasons, particularly in 2025-26.

The NSW State Umpire Panel may be involved in Cricket Australia programs such as Second XI (men’s and women’s), WNCL, WBBL, WT20 Spring Challenge and National Underage Championships.

Jeff Egan

- Included on State Panel | 2025-26
- Second XI (men’s) | 1
- WNCL | 3
- WBBL | 3
- WT20 Spring Challenge | 3
- National Championships | 1 (U17 Male)
- Men’s Premier Cricket | 19 (including 7 first grade and 5 T20 Cup)


Patrick Jackson

- Included on State Panel | 2025-26
-Second XI (men’s) | 2
- WNCL | 5
- WBBL | 2
- WT20 Spring Challenge | 9
- National Championships | 3 (U17 Male, U19 Male, NICC)
- National Finals | 3
- Men’s Premier Cricket | 78 (including 38 first grade and 17 T20 Cup)
- Men’s Premier Cricket Finals | 2


Bob McGregor

- Included on State Panel | 2026-27
- Men’s Premier Cricket | 320 (including 151 first grade and 48 T20 Cup)
- Men’s Premier Cricket Finals | 2


Kate Rowlands

- Included on State Panel | 2025-26
- U19 WT20 International | 3
- Second XI (women’s) | 2
- WNCL | 3
- WT20 Spring Challenge | 4
- National Championships | 2 (U16 Female, U19 Female)
- National Finals | 2
- Men’s Premier Cricket | 5 (including 2 first grade)


Nic Warburton

- Included on State Panel | 2026-27
- National Championships | 1 (NICC)
- Men’s Premier Cricket | 48 (including 15 first grade and 2 T20 Cup)
- Men’s Premier Cricket Finals | 2

A strong and capable State Umpire Panel has been selected for the coming season and wish all umpires well. They will be working with CNSW Umpire Coach, Neil Findlay who has been reappointed having carried out his duties to an exemplary standard in season 2025-26. We wish Neil the very best working with members of our State Umpire Panel this season.

NSW's own Claire Polosak is currently officiating at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, having served as TV Umpire in the tournament opener between England and Sri Lanka at Edgbaston, alongside on-field match officials Eloise Sheridan (Australia) and Jacqueline Williams (West Indies).

Claire has been appointed to umpire seven Group Stage matches:

June 12 – England v Sri Lanka, Edgbaston (TV)
June 14 – India v Pakistan, Edgbaston (FIELD)
June 18 – West Indies v Scotland, Headingley (FIELD)
June 23 – New Zealand v Scotland, Bristol (FIELD)
June 25 – South Africa v Netherlands, Bristol (FIELD)
June 27 – Pakistan v Netherlands, Bristol (TV)
June 27 – West Indies v Ireland, Bristol (FIELD)

This is Claire’s sixth Women’s T20 World Cup and her ninth ICC Cricket World Cup overall. She has now umpired 91 Women’s T20 Internationals (73 FIELD & 18 TV), adding yet another milestone to what has been a remarkable international career.

Claire’s work at CNSW in female umpire engagement has been outstanding.

In 2025–26, there were 29 female umpires officiating cricket across New South Wales, sharing 680 match appointments.

In men’s Premier Cricket, female umpires received 126 appointments.
In women’s Premier Cricket, female umpires received 241 appointments.

We have come a long way in recent years, thanks in no small part to Claire’s commitment to recruiting and retaining female umpires through the high-quality education and training opportunities she provides. Many of our female umpires regard Claire not only as their mentor, but also as their coach. She leads by example, generously giving the most valuable resource of all—her time—with humility and genuine care.

Congratulations to Claire on her appointment to this World Cup. We wish her every success for the remainder of the tournament and look forward to following her achievements on the world stage.

A significant day for New South Wales and Australian Umpiring today (June 4) as Rodney Tucker becomes the first Australian, and fourth overall, to umpire 100 Test Matches.

Rod will stand in the opening match of the Test series between England and New Zealand which commences at 8:00PM (AEST) at Lord’s.

Following his impressive career as a professional cricketer in which he played 103 first-class matches including two for New South Wales, Rod commenced umpiring in then Sydney Grade Cricket as a member of New South Wales Cricket Umpires’ and Scorers’ Association in season 2002-03. He rose through the ranks quickly, umpiring the 2003-04 Belvidere Cup Final, the first of his five consecutive First Grade premiership deciders. Rod was totally committed to umpiring Grade cricket, even when he was elevated to the ICC International Panel of Umpires. He saw the benefit of spending time in the middle, working on his skills, field craft and technique and was always keen to give back to Grade cricket.

He was elevated to Principal membership of NSWCUSA in 2020 and remains a member today.

Rod has always been a wonderful advocate for NSWCUSA and Australian Umpiring. He has on several occasions over the years when interviewed acknowledged with appreciation the role NSWCUSA played in his umpiring development praising the quality of training, coaching and mentoring he received in his early years, and how the experiences he gained umpiring Sydney Grade Cricket helped prepare him well for officiating at the elite level in our game.

Rod has been a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for 16 years, amazing service and longevity. Throughout he has umpired and carried himself with distinction, displaying composure, resilience and performing to a consistently excellent standard under pressure.

Rod Tucker enjoys the respect of international players and coaches and match official colleagues. He is honest, a genuine team player, umpires with strength, integrity and humility, always acts for the good of the umpiring team in helping his colleagues thrive, has always been coachable and committed to continuous improvement, and willing to share his experience to benefit others.

CNSW congratulates Rod on reaching the milestone of umpiring 100 Tests, acknowledges his outstanding commitment and contribution to cricket, and wishes him the very best for an enjoyable and successful match at Lord’s.

Rod will be joined on field by umpire Adrian Holdstock (South Africa), Nitin Menon (India) is the TV Umpire while Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe) is the ICC Match Referee.

https://www.nswcusa.com.au/post/tucker-becomes-first-australian-to-umpire-100-test-matches

Thank You, Blocker

Thank You, Blocker Article: Cricket AustraliaCricket Australia today extends its sincere thanks to Paul Wilson for his exceptional contribution to Australian cricket across more than three decades, as he concludes his role as Match Officials Selector and Appointments. A highly respected figure within the game, Blocker...

𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓/𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬

George Borwick Memorial Award Winner – Bob McGregor

The Association's most prestigious honour, the George Borwick Memorial Award.

The George Borwick Memorial Award was initiated in 1982 to honour the distinguished former Association President and Patron, who umpired 24 Test matches. It is presented each year to the member who exemplifies the spirit of George Borwick’s contribution by their efforts, on and off the field, during the season.

Bob (pictured right) has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the Association, consistently setting a strong example of professionalism, dedication and quiet achievement.

Throughout the season, he attended all Ordinary General Meetings, the pre-season Rules Night and the Annual Convention, and made himself available for every round of Men’s Premier Cricket, maximising his contribution across the competition.

On the field, Bob officiated 15 preliminary round fixtures across three grades. Captains consistently praised his effective match management, clear communication and consistently positive approach, with his performances earning an excellent season average of 4.63 out of 5.

Reaching his 150th First Grade match this season is a significant milestone and a reflection of his sustained contribution and long-term dedication to the game.

We are delighted to congratulate Bob McGregor on being awarded the George Borwick Memorial Award.