John Evans - distinguished service
NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association | March 22, 2024
John Evans is an Ex-Serviceman who served his country with distinction and had the good fortunate of playing representative cricket for the Armed Services.
In wanting to put something back in to the game he cherished John started umpiring in 1994 is now a proud Life Member of the NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association.
A journey well-travelled, let’s find out more about John Evans
What year were you born?
1946
Where did you go the high school?
St Gregory’s College Campbelltown
Do you remember your first ever game of cricket?
I was around 8 years old and I think I filled in for an under 12 team. As a fill I didn’t bat or bowl but I believe the team won.
Did you play much cricket before you started umpiring?
I was 15 when I started playing A grade for Minto in the Camden District Cricket Association (CDCA). I played under aged representative (U18 Hawkesbury Cup) games for the Association and then moved on to open age representative games (Gibson Cup) at age 16. These involved teams from Campbelltown/Camden, Nepean, Hawkesbury and Fairfield areas.
I enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1966 and served for twenty years. In 1968 I was selected in Western Division Country team that included Ken and Colin Hall and Barry Thebridge. Steve Bernard was in the opposition and I was chosen as a bat and I soon learnt bowling was my forte as he was the quickest bowler I had faced.
In 1969-71 I played 1st Grade with Queanbeyan under the captaincy of former Australian umpire Mel Johnson. I was then posted to RAAF Richmond where I played for the Richmond Club for three years also representing Hawkesbury in the Gibson Cup.
During my Air Force career, I represented NSW and VIC Combined Services captaining both at various times and was selected to represent and captain the Australian Services team on two occasions. We played New Zealand Service team in a three day contest at the SCG. When I captained the VIC Combined Services team we played the Melbourne Cricket Association at the MCG and we travelled to Adelaide and our opponents were a team selected by David Hookes.
When in Sydney I played for the Collegians (Campbelltown Catholic Club) 1st Grade Team, my tenure there was from 1972 to 1994.
At what age did you start umpiring?
48.
What was the attraction to become an umpire?
I wanted to remain involved in cricket plus I needed to put something back into the game.
Can you remember your first game as an umpire in Sydney Grade Cricket?
Yes. It was a 5th grade match between Sydney University and Penrith and I stood with Brian Livingstone. I had to ask the Penrith captain to remove his bowler as he had bowled three balls above the waist. I made a long-time friend in John Rogers from Sydney Uni.
How long did it take to progress through to First Grade?
It took about 18 months, Peter Hughes rang and asked if I could do a first grade fixture as Arthur Watson’s father had passed away. The two teams involved were Fairfield Liverpool and Northern Districts at Rosedale Oval. I can’t remember who I stood with.
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 looked up to Darrell Hair, Dick French, Jim Cameron, Mel Johnson and Simon Taufel.
Do you know how many games you umpired in Sydney Grade Cricket?
I believe it was 404, 250 odd in first grade.
What was your most memorable moment as a cricket umpire?
I was chosen as the 3rd umpire of a Sheffield Shield match between NSW and Tasmania in 2000. Prior to the start of the match Peter Hughes received a phone call from Darrell Hair advising that he was caught in traffic and asked if I was dressed ready to start the match with David Brandon. That was the closest I got to umpiring a first class match as Darrell arrived with about three minutes to go. This would be closely followed by umpiring Australia V England Women’s match at the SCG and then two days later at Bradman Oval in 2000.
Most favourite ground in Sydney to umpire?
There are three grounds I enjoy the most, Raby 1 and 2 at Campbelltown and Rosedale Oval (my home ground when I played Aussie Rules with Southern Districts) and SCG.
What’s the most intriguing ground you’ve umpired?
Bradman Oval, Bowral. The quaint dressing rooms, the aura of the ground itself. I have played quite a few games there and you just soak up the atmosphere.
Who were the three batsman you admired most as an umpire in Premier Cricket?
Greg Mail. Greg’s record speaks for itself. His shot making is great to watch. He also looks after the game’s values.
Ian Moran. A constant run scorer and has the ability to bat for long periods. A great servant to the game
Grant Lambert. Played for NSW and probably should have played more. Grant has great concentration ability as shown on many occasions. Special mention goes to Corey Richards and Brett Van Diensen
Who were the three bowlers you admired most as an umpire in Premier Cricket?
Greg Matthews. Longevity comes to mind. His ability to attack a batsman was a highlight. In my first season in 1st grade Greg bowled probably the best 10 over spell I have witnessed against Bankstown taking 2 for not many.
Kim Daly. One of the quickest guys going around at that time. A genuine person and I admired his temperament. He overcame adversity. His willingness to succeed was paramount. Great advocate for our game.
Daryl Tuffey. His line and length was something I enjoyed watching. Daryl had the ability to work on a batman’s weakness to the point where the batsman became frustrated and eventually lost his wicket. Great team man.
John Evans is presented with Life membership of NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association by Dick French
Who were the three players you admired most over the years for their competitive spirit and the way they played the game?
Anthony Clark. His ability to read a game was outstanding. His captaincy skills were superb and had the backing of his team. A great communicator.
Paul Ryan. A tough taskmaster, got the most out of his chargers and could very quickly sum up the situation and act accordingly. Didn’t mix his words and you knew where you stood. I respect him wholeheartedly. Didn’t suffer fools.
Kevin Roberts. Had the ability to communicate at all levels. Quite astute in his judgement of the situation and the personnel involved. Looked after the game’s values with distinction. A very thoughtful captain.
We can only assume there were quite a few characters in the game you had to keep an eye on in the field. Is there a particular moment or story you’d like to share about one of the characters?
There were quite a few characters during my time in the middle, however one stands out in my mind, Danny McLaughlin. I first came across Danny when he played for Sutherland. He had just completed his over and apparently he had words with the batsman that faced the last delivery. As he waked past me on his way to fine leg I had the occasion to chat with Danny advising him that he might have over stepped the mark with his tirade, he looked at me, didn’t say anything and then carried on to his position at fine leg. My comments were overheard by the Sutherland skipper who had a word. I didn’t experience any problems with Danny again.
The following Wednesday during the lunch break of a one day match a radio station was running a competition to find the fastest bowler in the state. I was asked to adjudicate on the legitimacy of the front foot. Danny won this event quite handsomely and from then on we respected one another for whom we are.
Danny was closely followed by Daniel Smith and Adam Crosswaite.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your involvement in cricket?
Initially my Father. He would spend hours in the back yard giving advice.
Alan Davidson. I attended a coaching class in 1963 run by Alan. I was ever so grateful as I was a left hand medium pace bowler. The suggestions given over the two days were invaluable and I continue to pass some of this advice onto youngsters I’ve coached.
Who was the funniest umpire you’ve had the pleasure to umpire with?
Greg Lill. No explanation required.
Who is your favourite all time cricketer growing up?
Alan Davidson.
Who is your favourite cricket commentator?
Richie Benaud
What did you enjoy most about umpiring?
Staying involved in cricket, the camaraderie and meeting new people with the same interests.
John Evans with another Campbelltown local junior Mitchell Claydon
Who would you consider the top 2 umpires in the game today?
Rod Tucker and Richard Kettleborough.
If you’re in the middle seat of the middle row of Qantas flight QF1to London which two umpires from any level would you choose to be on your left and right?
Brian Ferguson and Bill (Bull) Massingham. Probably wouldn’t get any sleep but it would be interesting bull….!
Did you have any superstitions?
No
Technology – good or bad for cricket from an umpire’s perspective?
OK if used by the right people.
What piece of technology is most valuable to an umpire and why?
I found bat-pad decisions quite difficult to adjudge, hot spot would be advantageous.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Listen to people who matter, ask questions, learn from your mistakes and don’t be afraid to make the hard decisions.
Do you like the modern game and what can the game do to make it better for umpires?
I’m not a fan of the T20 game. Technology should be handled by the umpires alone.
What advice would you offer a young 20 year old who has the ambition of umpiring Test Cricket?
If their still playing cricket at a reasonable level, carry on playing but in the meantime study and learn the Laws of cricket, understand the quirkiness of the game and be a good communicator.
What are your hobbies?
Coaching and managing the Campbelltown Camden 3rd grade team (trying to put an old head on young shoulders and working on my golf game.
Are there any lessons from your time in cricket that you take into work or life in general?
Communicate well, learn from others and don’t be afraid to make the hard decisions.
