Sport
7 November, 2024
What an innings!
MORTLAKE’S Kevin ‘Bushy’ Robertson notched up his 500th game umpiring in the South West Cricket Association over the weekend.
A familiar face behind the stumps right across the south west and beyond, Bushy has spent the last 32 years umpiring cricket matches.
Self-described as “cricket mad” he said he had enjoyed the years of supporting the various cricket associations in the region.
“It is a pretty good achievement,” Bushy said.
“I enjoy being out there with all the lads and seeing all the cricket around the district.
“It’s good to go out there and meet all the different cricketers.”
The milestone game for Bushy was held in Camperdown on Saturday.
He said the South West Umpires Association presented him with a shield to mark the occasion.
Bushy said he has umpired for a variety of cricket associations over the years, as well as representative umpiring.
“I started off umpiring the Mega Competition and then went to South West and then I went down to Warrnambool and District for 13 years,” he said.
“I was out at Grassmere Association for one year and I’ve been back with the South West for five years now.”
Bushy said he had no plans to step away from the crease just yet.
“I’m still enjoying it and while I can get about I will help out,” he said.
“It’s very enjoyable, you’re out amongst it with the players.
“I’ve had a lot of good cricketers that I’ve umpired over the years.”
Bushy, who was invited to umpire by Gary Cronin, said there had been a number of stand out results over the years.
“Simon Johnson, he took four for none off an over,” he said.
“The most runs I’ve had off an over is Todd Lamont who got five sixes in the over.
“Another one was Cam Williams, he made 100 in 61 deliveries – that’s the quickest 100 I’ve umpired.”
Bushy thanked all those who had supported him along in his umpiring journey.
“Thank you to all the cricket clubs around the district, I enjoy umpiring them,” he said.
“The South West Umpires Association is a good support.”
Bushy’s involvement with cricket is nearing six decades, having first started his playing days as a junior with the Mortlake Club.
In 2023, Cricket Australia recognised him for his more than 50-year contribution to the sport, a contribution Bushy doesn’t see slowing down any time soon.