Umpire Legend appointed to Over 70's CWC Match

Some eccentrics are born. Others thrust eccentricity upon themselves.

Step forward Brent “Billy” Bowden the NZ umpiring sensation who shot to fame with a zany array of embellished signals and an eye for showmanship.

Billy was forced to retire from playing cricket at an early age because of rheumatoid arthritis.

Hence the crooked finger salute when giving batsman out, and there have been many great ones who have been hooked from the field.

The Veteran umpire, if we can call him that, has been persuaded by David Stuthridge, as Tournament Umpire Coordinator to make an appearance in the field as a Match Official at the upcoming International Masters Cricket Over 70’s Cricket World Cup being held here in Christchurch from 20 February through until the Final at the beautiful NZ Test venue, Hagley Oval on 05 March.

Billy’s date with destiny at this event is scheduled for Tuesday 24 February at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln.   A ground not to unfamiliar to him.

It is ironic that the match will be between England and Australia.

What better arrangement than both teams to have this icon of modern-day umpiring join them, when he has, in the past, been at the centre of many great Ashes matches between the two nations.

Who could forget Edgbaston 2005, one of the greatest Test matches ever played. Billy made the decision to give the last Australian batsman out, caught behind leg side, which won the game for England by 2 runs.

A decision which was proved to be an outstanding one.

Billy is still umpiring Ford Trophy and Plunket Shield, the top form of First Class cricket here in NZ, and in the same week as his debut at an Over 70‘s World Cup will umpire the Final of the NZ Ford Trophy competition.

When David phoned Billy, he acknowledged that this time of year was likely his busiest. However, when David put it to him, he unhesitatingly replied.

Let’s make it work David.

So, juggling between first class fixtures and with the help of NZ Cricket we did just that.  “Made it Work”.  Billy will fly down from a match in Wellington, stay the night, and reappear as a 62-year-old Umpire, umpiring 70 plus year olds the following day. I told him that Coding’s are not likely, but the competitive edge will still be there. There will not likely be any diving outfield catches that he may have to adjudicate upon.

However, the Playing Conditions might test him out with bodies failing, and replacements having to be found. They are even allowed runners with injury Billy.

“Just another game David.  Looking forward to it and great to have the opportunity.”

Well, after 104 Tests, 259 ODI’s, 32 T20 Internationals, he can now add this last Everest to his stretch of umpiring accomplishments.

Enjoy the day Billy, and thank you.

Lance Ryan

Chairman  local organising committee IMC O70 Cricket World Cup