Marshall & Watson Inducted into Hall of Fame

NSWCUSA Life members Alan Marshall and Arthur Watson OAM have become the newest inductees to the Association’s Hall of Fame, acknowledged at the Annual Dinner and Awards Night in Bankstown on Saturday night.

The pair became the 14th and 15th members of the Hall of Fame since the first members were inducted in 2013 at the Association’s Centenary Dinner.

Recognised posthumously, Marshall served the Association in almost every way possible in the 32 years he was involved prior to his passing in 2001.

He was an active umpire for 26 years after joining the Association in 1969, officiating in 262 Men’s First Grade matches and progressing to representative cricket, including first-class and women’s international cricket.

He was a two-time winner of the George Borwick Memorial Award, including being the inaugural recipient in 1982.

Marshall was incredibly dedicated to the off-field activities of the Association, widely regarded as one of our greatest ever umpire trainers, drawing on his exemplary Law knowledge and innovating Association training programs.

He also volunteered on every Committee he could during his time with the Association:

• Examination Board/Committee – 17 years
• Assistant Honorary Secretary – 9 years
• Technical Committee – 9 years
• Training Committee – 7 years
• Executive Committee – 5 years
• Social Committee – 5 years

Marshall also acted as Vice President for a decade from 1990 to 2000, before assuming the role of President in 2000, which he served in until his passing.

Prior to his passing the Association struck the Alan Marshall Medal in honour of his exceptional contribution to the education and development of new umpires, with the recipient being the Rookie of the Year, acknowledging on field performance and off field commitment.

Joining the Association in 1969, the same year as Marshall, Arthur Watson is now in his sixth decade of involvement with NSWCUSA.

Last season, Watson concluded 52 consecutive seasons of umpiring NSW Premier Cricket, during the course of which, he officiated 824 matches, with 365 in Men’s First Grade.

In addition to his Sydney Cricket Association career, Watson also oversaw men’s and women’s internationals as well as 10 first-class matches and two List A matches, including the 1982 One-Day Cup Final at the SCG.

In recent seasons, he regularly partnered with early-career umpires in lower grades and been a significant influence on many as they begin their officiating journey, sharing his wisdom as he stands with them, or beyond as he fosters a relationship as a mentor.

Also away from the cricket field, Watson has made a phenomenal contribution to the Association, acting as Treasurer for 22 years, with an additional six years on the Board along with terms on the Examination, Social and Technical Committees.

He also regularly volunteered as a trainer, often working alongside Marshall – during their time together with the Association, the pair fostered a great friendship, making it appropriate that Watson had the pleasure of speaking to Marshall’s induction to the Hall of Fame.

In 2023, Watson was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to cricket and the wider community.

On Saturday night, a special presentation was made on Alan’s behalf to his wife Ros Marshall and members of the Marshall family, whilst Arthur was in attendance with wife Ann.

New South Wales Cricket Umpires’ and Scorers’ Association Hall of Fame

• George Borwick MBE
• Tom Brooks OAM
• Dick Burgess
• Dick Callaway
• Herb Elphinston
• Merilyn Fowler
• Dick French OAM
• Darrell Hair
• Alf Jones
• Fred Lyons
• Alan Marshall
• Graham Reed OAM
• Simon Taufel
• Arthur Watson OAM
• Ted Wykes OAM

Photo: Members of the Marshall family; Tiffany Pendlebury, Ros Marshall, David Marshall, Kylie Craik; with Arthur Watson on Saturday night // Steven K Smith