Do you Know Northland’s Favourite Local Cricket Umpire?

HANDS UP: Umpires Phil Jones, Wayne Knights, Peter Gasston, and Billy Bowden are on the lookout for New Zealand’s Favourite Local Cricket Umpire.

Kiwi amateur cricket umpires are the driving force behind the success of our favourite summertime sport, working tirelessly in their communities to support club cricket.

To reward these unsung heroes, Specsavers and New Zealand Cricket are launching a nationwide competition in search of ‘New Zealand’s Favourite Local Cricket Umpire’.

New Zealand international cricket umpire and ICC Emirates Elite Panel Umpire Billy Bowden says, “I know first-hand the time and energy that goes into being a local cricket umpire; it’s an amazing privilege to be involved with the young cricketers that are coming through the ranks.

“This competition is all about recognising those umpires that go the extra mile and I know there are plenty out there! I am looking forward to receiving a mountain of entries from people around the country who want to nominate their most deserving cricket umpire.”

The competition calls for people to nominate their favourite local amateur cricket umpire and will run from 19 November 2012 through to 28 January 2013.

Graeme Edmond, Specsavers New Zealand Managing Director says Specsavers has been supporting domestic cricket umpires since 2010 and this competition is an opportunity to reward those who volunteer their time to club cricket throughout the country.

“Amateur umpires are the driving force behind the success of grassroots cricket and so we are very excited to be offering one lucky umpire a well earned reward,” says Mr Edmond.

Six finalists will be selected from around the country and from this group the national winner will be announced. A range of exciting prizes are up for grabs including tickets to this summer’s International ANZ Series featuring the Black Caps against England, $1,000 spending money and a one-on-one training with a top New Zealand umpire. All those that nominate someone via the Specsavers New Zealand Facebook page will receive a voucher for $50 off any pair of Specsavers glasses.

Communities are encouraged to nominate their favourite local umpire by visiting facebook.com/SpecsaversNewZealand or Specsavers stores nationwide. Entries close on the 28 January 2013.