Country Panel Confirmed for 2023-24

Greg Jones and Murray Le Lievre have been elevated to the nine-member Country Umpire Representative Panel for season 2023-24, with Bruce Baxter standing down after six seasons on the panel.

The pair receive the elevation on the back of strong performances in Country Cricket NSW programs in recent seasons, including last season’s Country Colts carnival in Queanbeyan.

Officiating in the Bathurst Orange Inter District First Grade competition, Jones returns to the panel after a five-year absence for what will be his sixth season with the group.

In 2016-17 he was appointed to the Country Championships Final with Western Zone colleague Graeme Glazebrook and was previously a member of NSW Premier Cricket Panel 1 with 59 SCA matches to his name, 27 of which were in men’s First Grade.

Hailing from the Riverina, Le Lievre joins the panel for the first time, becoming the 57th member of the panel since it was formed in 1991.

He has been a regular and consistent presence in Cricket Wagga Wagga competitions in recent seasons, with a number of appearances at underage country programs and has travelled to Sydney to umpire six matches in NSW Men’s Premier Cricket First Grade.

Cricket NSW State Umpiring Manager, Darren Goodger, acknowledged the pair’s elevation to the panel, “Greg and Murray performed strongly at the Country Colts carnival played in Queanbeyan in December 2022 to earn their elevation to the Country Panel through a clearly defined umpiring pathway for country cricket match officials.

“They have grabbed the opportunity presented. We offer congratulations to both and wish them the very best.”

Long-serving Bruce Baxter has decided to step away after an exemplary contribution to the panel since he joined in 2017-18, with the highlight being appointment to five consecutive Regional Bash T20 Finals at the SCG.

Baxter’s contribution to cricket extends beyond his time on the Country Panel, he has given wonderful service to cricket since 1973.

Graeme Glazebrook and Bruce Baxter together at the SCG ahead of the 2020-21 Plan B Regional Bash Final

He has had tenures as the President of the South Services Cricket Club in Grafton, the Clarence River Cricket Association, the Clarence River District Cricket Umpires’ Association and the North Coast Cricket Umpires’ and Scorers’ Association – including the 2021-22 season where he served in the role for all four bodies.

Alongside his roles as umpire and administrator, he has also coached the South Services CC U14 team for 40+ consecutive seasons.

Darren Goodger paid tribute to Baxter’s involvement in cricket, “It has been a pleasure to have Bruce Baxter involved as a member of the Country Umpire Representative Panel for six years. We congratulate Bruce and thank him for his sterling contribution to the panel.

“The good news is Bruce will continue to be involved in cricket as an umpire, coach and administrator. We look forward to him continuing to umpire in underage Country Cricket NSW programs and CNSW State Challenge carnivals. Players, coaches and staff respect and appreciate the quality of his umpiring.”

Western Zone umpire Graeme Glazebrook continues on the panel, in what will be his tenth season as a member of the group.

The nine-strong Country Umpire Representative Panel will be continue to be coached by Country Umpire Coach Neil Findlay, entering his fourth season in the role.

Selected umpires may be appointed to stand in Country Cricket NSW programs, CNSW State Challenge carnivals, Regional Bash T20 and NSW Men’s Premier Cricket First Grade.

The Association offers congratulations and best wishes to the selected umpires for a successful 2023-24 season.

2023-24 Country Umpire Representative Panel

• Dave Cullen (Greater Illawarra) #44
• John De Lyall (Western) #53
• Jeff Egan (Riverina) #56
• Graeme Glazebrook (Western) #43
• Brenton Harrison (Riverina) #54
• Greg Jones (Western) #39
• Keiran Knight (Newcastle) #55
• Murray Le Lievre (Riverina) #57
• Phil Rainger (Newcastle) #42