Ja-born umpire tops Windies exams

HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC): JAMAICA-BORN UMPIRE Alex Knight earned the highest mark of 97.5 per cent in the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association practical and oral examinations.

The Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association said that Knight, a resident there, finished above 34 others in the exams.

“Alex’s success is a clear demonstration that we have a very competitive umpiring training product in Bermuda, and the only challenge separating our officials from even greater results is more opportunities,” the BCUA said in a statement.

“We’re all excited about it; he got the highest mark of anybody. We wish to congratulate Alex on his remarkable results and urge him to continue to develop his craft.”

Knight has been umpiring for about five years in Bermuda, where he previously played as a wicketkeeper-batsman for Police in the island’s domestic league.

“When I stopped playing for Police, I was encouraged by my peers to umpire after I did a game as a square-leg umpire,” said Knight said.

CALM, QUIET DEMEANOUR

The Royal Gazette newspaper reported that with his “calm, quiet demeanour”, Knight has become one of the island’s most respected officials.

Knight, who has been coaching under-eight and under-11 girls’ teams for the last eight years, said he has a good rapport with the island’s senior players.

Bermuda Cricket Board President Lloyd Fray also congratulated Knight on his accomplishment.

“I am delighted, but not surprised, to learn that Alex has scored so highly in the recent WICUA exams,” Fray said.

“Alex has been officiating locally and abroad at a very high level and is well respected in our cricket community. I also recognise the efforts of Roger Dill, the BCUA training officer, who tirelessly continues to develop umpires locally at all levels.”