Sydney cricket umpire Arthur Watson’s extraordinary match milestone
Few have seen more cricket up close than Arthur Watson who offociated his 800th game in NSW Premier Cricket on the weekend. So why has he stayed around so long?
Fairfield
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In the long history of the Sydney Cricket Association no umpire has officiated more than Arthur Watson - nor is it likely anyone will match his impressive record any time soon.
On Saturday at Rosedale Oval, Watson officiated at his 800th game in Premier Cricket.
“You could double that number if you bought in all the other games I have umpired,’’ said the Guildford cricket lover who also officiated at international’s, Sheffield Shield’s, charity games, school matches and junior rep fixtures.
“It keeps me young. It keeps me in touch with the kids of today.’’
And at 80-years-young, Watson has no plans to retire to the stands any time soon after umpiring 365 first grade matches, 69 second, 86 third, 142 fourth, 116 fifth and 21 Shires matches.
“Age is only a number. I have no plans to quit any time soon,’’ he said.
“I will do it while I am fit and able.”
Over his 50 years of officiating, Watson has seen some of the greats of the sport playing as juniors and for their state and country, so what is his favourite moment in the sport?
“Every match has a great moment. From a one-day international to an under 10s match. They all have great moments” he said.
“But there’s nothing quite like seeing a 10-year-old getting their first wicket. That’s special.
“I don’t have too many favourites. Anyone who wears the cap is a favourite player for me.
“But I’ve been lucky enough to umpire some of the better cricketers, the West Indies teams in the 80s, the Lillie’s (Dennis), Chappell’s (Ian and Trevor) and Marsh’s (Geoff).’’
Watson, who mentors young officials and shares his advice generously, has officiated at international and first-class levels, including three one-day internationals in the 1979/80 the Benson and Hedges world series cup, ODI’s between 1979 and 1981 - including matches between NSW, New Zealand and the West Indies - and an under 19 Test match between Australia and Pakistan at the SCG in 1981/82
“I haven’t missed too many Saturday’s in the 50 years, just for family commitments, the odd holiday here and there and some representative cricket thrown in,’’ he said.
Watson pulled up his 800th milestone in the match vetween Fairfield-Liverpool and UTS North Sydney.
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