Easter & Crockett Shield
The HistoryA joint assembly of mem bers of the South Australia (now SACUSA) and Victoria (now VCAUSA) Cricket Umpires Associations was convened to play a cricket match between the Associations over the Easter long weekend.
For many years it was believed that this first match was played in 1936. However, more recently it was discovered that three matches were played in the 1930s with the first held in Carlton, Victoria in 1931. This match resulted in a ‘draw’, SA declared at 8 for 125 and Victoria were 7 for 111 at stumps (it was not a limited overs match in those days).
The competition was suspended during World War II and resumed again in 1947. In 1947, matches were played for the R.M. (Bob) Crockett Shield for the first time, which is still the case today. Events/Matches have been held every second year since then, except for a missed year in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visitors initially travelled interstate by train and were billeted at the homes of umpires from the host state, however now motel/hotel accommodation is used with most participants travelling by car or plane.
For many years it was believed that this first match was played in 1936. However, more recently it was discovered that three matches were played in the 1930s with the first held in Carlton, Victoria in 1931. This match resulted in a ‘draw’, SA declared at 8 for 125 and Victoria were 7 for 111 at stumps (it was not a limited overs match in those days).
The competition was suspended during World War II and resumed again in 1947. In 1947, matches were played for the R.M. (Bob) Crockett Shield for the first time, which is still the case today. Events/Matches have been held every second year since then, except for a missed year in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visitors initially travelled interstate by train and were billeted at the homes of umpires from the host state, however now motel/hotel accommodation is used with most participants travelling by car or plane.
The Crockett ShieldThe Crockett Shield (named after RM “Bob” Crockett) is the prize trophy held by the winner of the cricket match played (and hotly contested) by members from both Associations.
Umpires who have been around for a few years would be aware of the extent of the rivalry between both Associations on the field and the importance placed upon winning and holding the Crockett Shield by stalwarts of both Associations.
Easter, not just for PlayersThis weekend is for the whole family.
The event has evolved into very much more than a match since the early days, where the only event was the cricket match, to a weekend which is now full of events and social interaction, as well as the all-important match of course!
There are a host of events over the weekend which is designed to cater for all Members and their families. We have many members who have been involved for a long time without ever playing in the match and they keep coming back!
What Happens Other Than the Match? Renewal of friendships during numerous events including welcome Dinner on Friday evening, a Presentation Dinner on Saturday night, a Family event on Sunday for the entire family and a farewell breakfast event on Monday morning.
Umpires who have been around for a few years would be aware of the extent of the rivalry between both Associations on the field and the importance placed upon winning and holding the Crockett Shield by stalwarts of both Associations.
Easter, not just for PlayersThis weekend is for the whole family.
The event has evolved into very much more than a match since the early days, where the only event was the cricket match, to a weekend which is now full of events and social interaction, as well as the all-important match of course!
There are a host of events over the weekend which is designed to cater for all Members and their families. We have many members who have been involved for a long time without ever playing in the match and they keep coming back!
What Happens Other Than the Match? Renewal of friendships during numerous events including welcome Dinner on Friday evening, a Presentation Dinner on Saturday night, a Family event on Sunday for the entire family and a farewell breakfast event on Monday morning.
