Over my cricket career, I’ve had the misfortune of being given out numerous times LBW when the ball was clearly missing the stumps. Usually by about a metre! So the chance to play against the Umpires represented a chance to right past wrongs.

On a lovely autumn day with scarcely a cloud in the sky, the Umpires won the toss and inserted The Willows. Runs flowed freely, with Dan Vann, Will Macfarlane, Jeremy Wilson and Richard McGuire all reaching 40 before retiring. The Umpires stuck to their task admirably in the field with wickets shared. 251 was the target set. In reply, The Willows bowlers restricted runs and took wickets. Ray Steele batted wonderfully for his 40 retired, but lacked support. With Nawid Mohammady (three wickets), and two each to Charlie Finnie, Richard McGuire and Will Macfarlane, the Umpires finished on 156 all out.

To prove my initial prejudice wrong, the Umpires were a wonderful group of happy and honest cricketers. They were even generous with their advice given to their own colleagues umpiring for the day, D Miller and A Shipley, who performed admirably.

A great way to end the season for The Willows, with my opinion of umpires now corrected!