A Kaitaia cricket umpire is in line to be named New Zealand's most popular on-field official in the Specsavers' Favourite [amateur] Cricket Umpire competition.
Peter Barnett was last week named as one of the six finalists in the search for New Zealand's favourite cricket umpire, which invited nominations of amateur cricket umpires in a bid to celebrate and reward those unsung heroes who give up their own time to further club cricket in New Zealand.
The 52-year-old professional coach and sport coordinator admitted he was humbled by the nomination, and delighted. As a finalist, Barnett received two pairs of Specsavers glasses, a Kookabura bat signed by Black Caps BJ Watling, Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill, as well as a double pass to an international cricket game. The overall winner will be announced next week and will win an amazing prize pack which includes a training session with a top Kiwi umpire and $1000 spending money.
Barnett's nomination was made by Paihia's Arshad 'Ali' Siddiqui, whose team was also the benefit of a substantial fundraising grant earlier this year. Ali spoke very highly of Barnett, a man he described as an umpire, mentor, coach and organiser.
"He knows the game like the back of his hand and motivates players to play fair and hard. When we started cricket through the Far North Cricket Association, there were hardly any teams, today we have five senior teams competing in a tournament and I believe that's due to Peter - he brings the community together," Ali said, adding, "I also hope some new Specsavers glasses help Peter to continue to make the correct decisions on the field, as he has been doing for a long time."
