Troy Penman to make his first class umpiring debut - Victoria v Queensland at the MCG

NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association | February 08, 2023

By Darren Goodger

Hello Everyone

When Troy Penman walks onto the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday morning he will become the 85th member of New South Wales Cricket Umpires’ and Scorers’ Association to umpire a first-class match. The MCG will provide an amazing experience for Troy to make his first-class umpiring debut. Victoria will host Queensland. Troy will be joined on field by ICC International Panel Umpire, Phil Gillespie, with Bob Parry the Cricket Australia appointed match referee. A strong, experienced and supportive team for an umpire on debut. Troy’s appointment is well deserved and wonderful recognition for his attitude, teamwork and consistent performances in recent seasons and in 2022-23.

I have done my homework for this email and a bit of research … being able to confirm as there are not too many Sharks supporters around, he becomes the first one in our 85 to umpire at this level.

Troy joined NSWCUSA in 2010 and commenced umpiring in season 2012-13, starting with a fourth grade match at Killara Oval between Gordon and Bankstown. His debut was impressive. Iain Ridley, the Bankstown captain, commented in his match report that Troy looked to be a very good umpire capable of progressing through the grades. Iain was correct and progress Troy has.

Troy made his men’s premier cricket first grade debut in season 2014-15 standing at Mark Taylor Oval in the match between Northern District and Blacktown. He has now umpired 146 men’s Sydney Cricket Association matches of which 93 have been in first grade.

He has performed with distinction at Cricket Australia National Championships, being appointed to umpire the following finals:

·       U15 Male – 2016

·       U17 Male – 2016

·       U19 Male – 2017

·       U19 Male – 2018

Troy has had many umpiring career highlights to date, including:

·       2 Men’s List A matches

·       TV Umpire for 1 Men’s List A match

·       5 Women’s List A matches, including the 2019-20 WNCL Final

·       7 BBL matches

·       TV Umpire for 8 BBL matches

·       25 WBBL matches

·       TV Umpire for 13 WBBL matches

·       4 U19 Male One Day Internationals (2 x Australia v Pakistan 2017 in Melbourne) (2 x Australia v New Zealand 2019 in Brisbane)

·       Prime Minister’s XI v Sri Lanka 2019

·       15 Men’s State Second XI / Futures League matches (including 4 FL T20)

·       6 Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup Finals

·       The 2017-18 First Grade Limited Overs Cup Final

In addition to his umpiring Troy has been an exemplary employee at CNSW for 14 years, loyal to his team and the wider staff, and dedicated to doing the best he can for members of NSWCUSA and to improve the Association. He has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in his professional life with several fine achievements and key initiatives. He has been Executive Officer of NSWCUSA since September 2019, having previously served as the Association’s Administrator. During his time as EO Troy has progressed the Association and has earned the respect of our membership, State-wide. He did an outstanding job leading the Association through the challenges of the pandemic. He is respected and valued by the NSWCUSA Board.

Troy has a massive heart, considerate of others, a truly selfless person. He served as a member of our CNSW Zest Committee for several years doing a great job in organising activities to foster staff morale.

Like in most domains, match officials don’t get what they wish for, they get what they deserve and work for. This opportunity is one for which Troy is ready, earning this appointment on merit, he has been patient and diligently preparing for this moment. He is ready to deliver. At age 35 and in his fourth season as a Cricket Australia contracted umpire he is far from the finished product, the best match officials are always a work in progress and Troy’s best years are well and truly in front of him as he continues to learn from every experience. On Thursday, and for the subsequent three days, he will be giving his best with a high degree of respect for every ball. His ability and preparation will take care of the rest.

We may be proud of Troy, who he is and this latest umpiring opportunity he has received from Cricket Australia. He is an exceptional and humble product of his family, CNSW, the NSWCUSA and our men’s premier cricket competition. Members of Troy’s family will be at the MCG to see him presented with his Australian first-class umpiring certificate on Thursday morning, appropriate as they have contributed so much to his life and his umpiring career to this point. It will be a most special moment for them all.

We offer congratulations to Troy and wish him the best for an enjoyable experience and a successful first-class umpiring debut in the Sheffield Shield. The match will be broadcast live on cricket.com.au, with a scheduled start time of 10.30am