Geoff Garland - enjoyment and appreciation
NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association | July 13, 2023
Geoff Garland first involvement with senior cricket in New South Wales began in 1961 and he’s been a players, umpire and mentor.
Geoff is a very proud Life Member of NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association
Let’s find out more about Geoff’s journey in the game
What year were you born?
December 1942
Where did you go the high school?
Christian Brothers Lewisham
Do you remember your first ever game of cricket?
We played St Pats Strathfield in 1958. We were washed out after 1hour
If you can share with our audience, how would you describe yourself as a cricketer?
Left arm slow bowler morphed into stodgy opening bat in 1978
Tell us about your playing days
I was graded with Bankstown in 1961 but played Shires with UNSW with my mates. In 1966 I played 2nds with Syd University and then First grade with UNSW in 73. The highlight was helping UNSW to grade and leading them in their first game v Balmain in our inaugural season .I played for a further 10 years working my way down the grades
I managed to take a number of 6 for in 2s and scored a couple of 80s in 3s. I forget a lot of details. I didn’t play in the late 60s and early 70s as I was studying in United States.
We won only 1 game in 73 but won Poidevin Gray. We won first grade in our 4th year and followed up with 2nd grade winning, a club championship and another first grade in my 10 grade years. We had some outstanding youngsters Greg Watson, Geoff Lawson, Jim Robson and especially Mark Ray.
John Rogers was the most outstanding captain.
Geoff Lawson playing for Australia
Who was the fastest bowlers you came up against in Grade Cricket?
John Martin – St George, Steve Bernard – Northern District were the quickest
Who was the best spinner you played against in Grade Cricket?
Mick Pawley (with and against) was outstanding and Bob Aitken was very challenging but it was great learning experience
Who would you consider to be the best batsman in your time playing grade cricket?
Brian Booth a wonderful person and a great batsman
What were some of the more memorable moments of your playing career?
I played a number of 3 day intervarsity games against John Inverarity (WA, Sandy Morgan(Qld) Graeme Thorne (NZ) and Robbie Rowan (Melb) – it was always memorable
At what age did you start umpiring?
After leaving UNSW in 84 I played Shires with local club Epping and then began umpiring in 1992 at the age of 50
Can you remember your first game as an umpire in Sydney Grade Cricket?
First game was with Tom Brooks who I knew well
Tom Brooks
How long did it take to progress through to First Grade?
First game umpiring first grade was in my 3rd year which I felt was a little too soon. It Northern District V Penrith at Waitara Oval with Ian Jackson. Andrew Sainsbury scored 150 plus
Who were the umpires you admired most when you started out as an umpire? Is there anyone in particular you wanted to model your umpiring on?
I received wonderful help from Graham Chudleigh, Alan Marshall, Dick French to name a few. David Shepherd the Englishman I really admired for his attitude, rapport and enjoyment. It’s not as good as playing but still very enjoyable. Most associated with the game are great and generous people.
Simon Taufel and Darren Goodger have been great with me.
Do you know how many games you umpired in Sydney Grade Cricket?
Over 430 games with 135 in 1sts
Geoff with Mark Simula at Harold Fraser, Kogarah Bay. SCA Grade QF 23rd March 2013.
Most favourite ground in Sydney to umpire?
I still like both University grounds, Hurstville Oval and Bankstown Oval Still
What’s the most intriguing ground you’ve umpired?
Asgirya Stadium in Kandy Sri Lanka
Who were the three batsman you admired most as an umpire in Premier Cricket?
Greg Mail, best grade bat by far and always very fair
Ed Cowan a great shot maker
Kevin Roberts
Who were the three bowlers you admired most as an umpire in Premier Cricket and if you could add a few words as to why?
Brett Lee - quickest
Stuart Clark - most professional
Doug Bollinger - most entertaining.
Who were the players you admired most over the years for their competitive spirit and the way they played the game?
Most admired would include players/administrators Richie Benaud, Mark Taylor, Brian Booth, Warren Saunders, Mark Grant and Brian Freedman (Bankstown), Andrew Fitzhenry (Balmain), Paul Goldsmith (Penrith). All outstanding people.
Really want to mention John Benaud as we had so many good experiences and Tony Clark was most challenging but very astute. We have had many interesting games
We can only assume there were quite a few characters in the game you had to keep an eye on in the field.
I have been helped and inspired by so many and have had many greatly enjoyable games, no standouts
Did you have any superstitions?
No, not really
Technology – good or bad for cricket from an umpire’s perspective?
I’m a believer in technology, especially snicko but unfortunately I do believe ball tracking is flawed
Do you like the modern game and what can the game do to make it better for umpires?
Not very keen on 20/20 as there’s little to no substance
Who would you consider the top 2 umpires in the game today?
Marais Erasmus and Richard Kettleborough are probably best now but it’s very hard to assess umpires as it’s very subjective
Are you still umpiring and if not are you involved in cricket in any capacity?
Since my double knee replacement in 09 have only occasionally done first grade but have enjoyed mentoring others. We have some great umpires in NSW now. Darren Goodger has lead the Association superbly and players now have a greater appreciation of our work
Are there any lessons from your time in cricket that you take into work or life in general?
As a High School Principal for 15 years I took lessons into the game. Communication, individual differences in personality, importance of empathy, management skills, ability to let players have their say but know when to draw the line. Cricket is a just a microcosm of life. It does not build character but reveals it!!
