Andrew Hamilton - the best seat in the house
NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association | February 10, 2023
Andrew Hamilton played junior cricket in Brisbane and got to play against a couple of future Queensland cricketing legends in Jimmy Maher and Martin Love.
His desire to be involved in the game at a higher level led him to become an umpire and since 2004 he's been umpiring in the NSW Premier Cricket competition.
Let’s find out more about Andrew’s journey so far
What year were you born?
1974
Where did you go the high school?
Brisbane Grammar School
Do you remember your first ever game of cricket?
My first proper game of cricket, I was 10. My age group played modified cricket. The age group above me was short, so I was asked to play. Didn’t bat, but remember getting a wicket. It would have been called a no -ball today, a full toss above the waist.
Did you play much cricket before you started umpiring?
I was lucky enough to play regional representative cricket in my junior days. When at school, I played first X1 for 2 seasons. I remember in one game, Jimmy Maher hitting me for a massive 6 before I bounced him out next ball. In the same season, Martin Love scored a massive century against us to get Toowoomba Grammar over the line late in the game.
Martin Love
At what age did you start umpiring?
I umpired a few seasons of GPS school boy cricket in Sydney before returning to play for a few more seasons. I was probably early 20s then and still had a desire to play.
What was the attraction to become an umpire?
Whilst at Brisbane Grammar School, we had activities afternoon on a Friday 3 times per term. One of our teachers, Jim Taylor who had umpired a few Sheffield Shield games at the Gabba held a cricket umpiring and scorer’s course. Being a higher level cricketer at school held appeal to me.
Once I was satisfied that my playing days were over I was determined to stay involved in the game. My belief was that I would progress to a higher level as an umpire than I would as a player.
Can you remember your first game as an umpire in Sydney Grade Cricket?
My Sydney Cricket Association umpiring career began when I was 30. My first SCA appointment was a 2 day fixture in 3rd grade over the October long weekend. Unfortunately we had that much rain I wasn’t even required to attend the oval on either day. My first on field appointment was another 3rd grade fixture between Blacktown and Sydney University at Whalan.
How long did it take to progress through to First Grade?
I made my first grade debut in my fourth season of grade cricket. I was umpiring a limited overs match at Raby Oval between Campbelltown and Mosman. Peter Tate was my colleague for this match. I was elevated to the first grade panel in the following season (2008-09).
Who were the umpires you admired most when you started out as an umpire?
I think you take a lot of notice of the umpires who are umpiring the big matches. In this case respected umpires like Simon Taufel, Darrell Hair, Steve Davis and Peter Parker come readily to mind. I never thought about modelling my game on any one particular umpire but rather took a bits and pieces approach to find what suited me.
Do you know how many games you umpired in Sydney Grade Cricket?
As it currently stands heading into the 2020/21 season I have stood in 270 SCA games (182 First Grade).
What was your most memorable moment as a cricket umpire?
Being appointed to any finals series match as you know you have been selected on merit. Being appointed to both Under 18 Female National Championships finals (T20 and limited overs) in Tasmania last summer was special.
Andrew Hamilton with Victorian Lisa McCabe - T20 Final at the U18 Female National Championships
Most favourite ground in Sydney to umpire?
I would probably have to say Hurstville Oval, then closely followed by Bankstown Oval.
What’s the most intriguing ground you’ve umpired?
Been lucky enough for the past 14 seasons to predominantly umpire on first grade grounds. Outside of Hurstville Oval with the bike track, nothing readily comes to mind.
Who were the three batsman you admired most as an umpire in Premier Cricket?
Naturally you would expect the Test players but we very rarely umpire them in grade cricket these days.
I have chosen players that I have umpired numerous occasions rather than only 1 or 2 times and have retired. These 3 players I have chosen consistently made runs for their respective clubs.
Greg Mail rarely failed and was very professional in everything he did.
Same with Ben Rohrer – he always looked in control.
It is tough for a third but I have chosen Dave Dawson. Consistent performer, and always put a huge price on his wicket.
Who were the three bowlers you admired most as an umpire in Premier Cricket?
Once again we very rarely umpire our Test players so our current test bowlers will be excluded. Once again only going to select from retired players.
Steven Green was always on and around off stump. You always felt you were in the game.
Corey Colleymore, the ex-West Indian test player. He played a number of seasons for Blacktown, well after he had retired from test cricket. I umpired Corey numerous times, and can’t remember him bowling many bad balls let alone spells.
Anthony Clark, would quite often come on and tie up an end, but he let everyone know there was a contest on no matter the match situation.
Who were the three players you admired most over the years for their competitive spirit and the way they played the game?
Daniel Jackson – typical fast bowler with all the growl. But what happened on the field stayed on the field. He would be the first to shout you a beer after the game.
Grant Lambert, fine all round cricketer, never gave up.
Tony Clark, most umpires who have umpired Tony have had the LBW law explained to them at least once. He just loves the game. After he has stated his LBW spiel, Tony quite often likes to have a beer and talk forever about cricket.
Tony Clark
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?
I remember a first grade game at Joe MacAleer Oval. Greg Mail and Ed Cowan were batting for Sydney University and were steadily chasing down Blacktown’s score. All of a sudden there was a commotion from off the field in the Sydney University change room. Greg Matthews had turned up late with a rooster on a tether and had let it off in the change room.
Is there any particular game you’ve umpired that stands out above all others?
My first grade debut still sits fairly high on the list for grade games umpired.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your involvement in cricket?
Without doubt in my umpiring career Graham Chudleigh (my mentor for the past 13-14 tears), and our State Director of umpiring Darren Goodger.
Who was the funniest umpire you’ve had the pleasure to umpire with?
I would have to say either Greg Lill or Marty Edgell. I can recall one game with Marty between Mosman and Blacktown. On day 2 after tea I was extremely under the pump. I had about 8 serious appeals in 15-20 minutes. Marty then fired Tony Clark.
As we came together you could see the steam blowing from Tony. Marty turned to me and said, it looks like they will have something to talk about in the post-match heh!
Who is your favourite all time cricketer growing up?
Growing up in the 80s, naturally either Dennis Lillee or Allan Border. But overall, I would have to say Brian Lara, some of the innings he played especially against Australia were absolutely brilliant.
Who is your favourite cricket commentator?
Probably a choice of 2. Michael Holding as he is generally very blunt and to the point, and David “Bumble” Lloyd – he has done it all – player, umpire, coach and commentator. Some of his stories are unbelievable.
What do you enjoy most about umpiring?
I love having the best seat in the house and umpiring some of the best in the game and some of the best up and coming cricketers in the country.
U17 Male National Championships in 2018 NSWCUSA represented by Berend du Plessis, Andrew Hamilton and Roberto Howard.
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 QF1flight to London which two umpires from any level would you choose to on your left and right?
It probably wouldn’t matter, as I love my sleep too much. I would be happy to sit with any of my mates from NSWCUSA.
Did you have any superstitions?
I like to get to the ground early and unpack my bag as soon as I get to the ground. Differs if it is unlikely that we will get any play.
Technology – good or bad for cricket from an umpire’s perspective?
I believe it is good for the game. Our professional umpires over the years have embraced technology as it has evolved.
What piece of technology is most valuable to an umpire and why?
While you have decisions scrutinized having the help of the 3rd umpire especially with runouts/stumpings/ fair catches and boundaries is extremely helpful.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Be yourself. You will receive a lot advice, take what you need and throw the rest away.
Do you like the modern game and what can the game do to make it better for umpires?
I love test cricket. The shorter formats of the game tend to be relatively predictable at the professional level, so new innovations need to be tried. As for grade cricket, I would love to see all grades have the opportunity to play T20 cricket
What advice would you offer a young 20 year old who has the ambition of umpiring Test Cricket?
Make sure firstly that you are happy to give up playing cricket so that you can put your focus on umpiring. Immerse yourself with good people and support networks who you trust. Use resources and read widely.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy watching my children’s sports, activities and cultural performances.
Are there any lessons from your time in cricket that you take into work or life in general?
If you don’t enjoy what you do, then why are you doing it?
Make the most of your opportunities.
