SACA’s Umpire Administration & Development Officer Craig Thomas will reach an incredible milestone this weekend, standing in his 400th cricket match.
After playing for Scott Creek Ironbank in the Hills Cricket Association for over 30 years since the age of eight, Craig transitioned into umpiring, and by the 2008/09 season had progressed to Premier Cricket level.
Craig has had an illustrious career, umpiring 140 West End 1st Grade matches including appointments to Grand Finals, as well as numerous National Championships. He was awarded Premier Cricket Umpire of the Year in 2013/14, 2017/18 and 2018/19, and was the winner of the Tony Crafter Award (SACUSA’s Panel 1 award) in 2013/14 and from 2017/18 to 2019/20.
In addition to his copious awards, he has been a member of our State Umpire Panel and was President of SACUSA Executive in 2014/15 and 2015/16. Craig began in a seasonal role as SACA’s Umpiring Coordinator in 2019 and then transitioned to full time Umpire Administration and Development Officer in 2021.
Craig has a very supportive wife in Kristen and three adult children Jade, Beau and Kane. He currently plays Veterans cricket – over 50s for Hills Fleurieu team in SAVCA and has been a great advocate of the game. Craig encouraged sis son in law Kieran Ryan to get involved in umpiring and he is now in his second season.
State Panel Umpire Dhaval Bhatt, who will partner with Craig for this special milestone said, “It’s been an honour sharing the cricket field with Craig over the years. He has earned enormous respect from players, coaches and other match officials. I sincerely appreciate all the support, guidance and encouragement he has given me in my umpiring journey.”
We congratulate Craig on an incredible 400 games umpired! Craig 400th game will be Saturday, October 18 West End 1st Grade – Division 1, Sturt v Adelaide University at Price Memorial Oval.
Umpire milestones this season:
Saturday 12 October
Duminda Kottahachchi (umpire): 100 Premier Cricket matches
Saturday 19 October
Craig Thomas (umpire): 400 Premier Cricket matches
Luke Uthenwoldt (umpire): 200 Premier Cricket 1st Grade matches
Michael Williamson (umpire): 300 Premier Cricket matches
Sunday 20 October
Milind Gawde (umpire): 300 Premier Cricket matches
Douglas Jewell (umpire): 100 Premier Cricket matches
If you’d like to find out more about umpiring, visit https://www.saca.com.au/community/umpiring-and-scoring