Mark looks to follow in illustrious footsteps

TEST match umpire Richard Kettleborough was back in Rotherham for the Association of Cricket Officials' AGM.
Richard Kettleborough with award winner Mark Ashmore.Richard Kettleborough with award winner Mark Ashmore.
Richard Kettleborough with award winner Mark Ashmore.

It is believed the group is the only branch in the world to have had three Test match umpires as presidents. Richard is following in the footsteps of Dickie Bird and the late John Hampshire.

The meeting at Rotherham Phoenix saw Mark Ashmore receive the Frank Richardson Memorial Award for attaining the highest mark in the Association's exam in South Yorkshire.

The ACO's Terry Bentham said: “Mark obtained 98 per cent, which is a wonderful achievement. He umpired in the South Yorkshire Senior League in 2017 and did very well and we feel he has a great future in the game.

“We already have two 25-year-olds officiating in the ECB Premier leagues, a thing no other Premier League in the county has. We are expecting Mark to reach this stage in the next two years. He is very keen and readily takes on advice.”

On the same night Alan Farnell received the Gary Keyworth Trophy for his sterling service as secretary and treasurer. He has been responsible for organising training courses and trained a number of young scorers at Hallam CC, where he is President.

Alan is standing down from some of his duties with ACO but will continue with child welfare for both the association and the league.

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