Eloise Sheridan the only woman in 144 years to umpire a first grade men’s cricket match in SA
ELOISE Sheridan will make history this weekend when she becomes the only woman in 144 years to umpire a men’s first grade cricket match in SA.
ELOISE Sheridan will make history this weekend when she becomes the only woman in 144 years to umpire a men’s first grade cricket match in SA.
But the schoolteacher is not anticipating any backchat when she takes charge of Sunday’s One-Day Cup clash between Glenelg and Southern District at Glenelg Oval.
“I’ve actually found the men to be really nice to me,” said Sheridan, who has been umpiring male cricket for the past year.
“They’re better behaved towards me than they are to any of the men I’ve umpired with.
“It’s a big opportunity so I’m a bit nervous, but it should be all good.
“Whatever I can do to help women in cricket, I’m happy to be a part of.”
Sheridan’s cricket obsession began as youngster during backyard games with her Dad, John. She started playing for Northern Districts aged 12 and later had a stint at Sturt before helping Kensington win the 2013/14 women’s first grade premiership.
But when the state junior wicketkeeper’s aching knees ended her playing career prematurely, she looked for another way to remain involved in the game.
“I thought about umpiring, did a few games and then got hooked,” Sheridan, 32, said.
“It can be really nerve-racking, particularly if a team is very good at appealing.
“But even if I know someone is out, taking my time to make that decision and making sure I’m calm in that decision-making has been really helpful for me.”
The St Columba College vocational education teacher has risen rapidly through the umpiring ranks.
Sheridan teamed up with Mary Waldron to form the first female duo to officiate a men’s fourth grade game last December.
She took charge of a Women’s National Cricket League trial match and umpired three male second grade contests so far this season.
“I’ve had a couple of really good B-grade games this year, so from what I was told they were excited to get me into A-grade while I was in form,” Sheridan, of Gilles Plains, said.
“I think there will be a little bit more pressure, but in terms of my role I don’t think that changes at all.
“The standard of cricket will also be a little bit higher as well, so it will be exciting to be a part of.”