Chesterfield Cricket Lovers' Society

VISIT OF RICHARD KETTLEBOROUGH ON 15TH FEBRUARY 2012

Richard Kettleborough, who in the last few years has risen rapidly through the ranks to become one of the world's leading umpires, was a most welcome visitor to Queen's Park. He was at home in Sheffield for a few weeks, having officiated in the Test Series in South Africa (against Sri Lanka) over Christmas and New Year and soon after visiting us was due to fly to New Zealand for the Rubber against the South Africans.

Having played for six Seasons during the 1990s as a batsman, first with Yorkshire and then for Middlesex, on leaving the latter County at the end of 1999, Richard had had a long discussion with J H Hampshire, who had persuaded him to try his hand as an umpire. He had also received some very sound advice from the late Nigel Plews (a very good friend of this Society) and from the outset had been guided and "mentored" by Mervyn Kitchen. Richard was taken on to the First Class Reserve List in 2001, covering his first First Class Matches in 2002 (involving the University Sides). His first Championship Match came in 2004 and he became a full First Class umpire in 2006. Over the next few years he took charge of major domestic Matches, together with International Twenty/20 and Limited Overs Fixtures, as well as doing duty as an International TV Umpire. He was appointed to the International Umpires Panel in 2009 and his First Test appointment was in Galle in November 2010 (Sri Lanka -v- West Indies) when he became (so he told us) the 471st person to umpire a Test Match. Richard was appointed to the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires in May 2011 and at the time of his visit to us was still the youngest member of that Panel. Mr. Kettleborough is a firm supporter of the use of technology as an aid to umpiring in International Cricket and backs the DRS Referral System, although he agreed with members of the audience that the System needed to be used universally in all Series. Furthermore, the equipment must be of the same standard for all Matches and all Series.

Asked which were his favouritre Cricket Grounds, Mr. Kettleborough had a soft spot for Lord's - a major factor in his decision to join Middlesex after leaving Yorkshire. He had also liked Cape Town, although his favourite venue seemed to be Trent Bridge. Chesterfield was another favourite - one of his very earliest Championship Fixtures as an umpire had been on Queen's Park (against Worcs.), as was Scarborough.

He also gave us some amusing anecdotes of his experiences both as a player and as an umpire.

Yet another thoroughly enjoyable and educative evening from a splendid Speaker.

Because he had once umpired with Richard Kettleborough, Mike Taylor chaired the Meeting, although David Marshall was on hand and took a full, part in the proceedings.