Umpire Dennis Whittaker bows out at age of 80

Guard of honour for umpire Dennis Whittaker

UMPIRE Dennis Whittaker called time for the final occasion with a special tournament at Horspath to mark his retirement from the game at the age of 80.

Unfortunately, the weather gods didn't smile kindly on his farewell with persistent rain on Saturday. But, despite this, Dennis, who has been donning the white coat for 44 years, decided play should go-ahead for his swansong.

With the three clubs he has been most closely associated with - Oxford Caribbean, Horspath and Yarnton & Cowley - participating in a round-robin competition, a guard of honour was formed by the players to applaud him on to the pitch. Horspath, who fielded a side consisting mainly of committee members, faced Yarnton & Cowley in the opening 10 overs-a-side contest.

President Denis Walker, accompanied by Max Eason, got Horspath off to a lively start with a couple of early boundaries as the hosts posted 75 thanks mainly to some powerful blows from Chris Jones, who retired with 30-something.

Horspath line up with umpire Dennis Whittaker

However, with dropped catches aplenty and some decidedly dodgy fielding it wasn't enough as a considerably more youthful Yarnton & Cowley side eased home in the last over. Chairman John Hilland provided the highlight for the hosts with a running catch in front of the scout hut, before setting off on an extravagant celebration.

By the time Oxford Caribbean had completed their innings in the second game against Yarnton & Cowley the steady drizzle had turned to heavy rain and the genial Mr Whittaker decided to draw stumps for one last time. However, it wasn't before the umpire, who is widely reported to have given more lbws in the OCA than any other, raised the finger to claim one last victim.

Back in the bar, Dennis, with his favourite glass of Appleton's Jamaican rum in hand, had no doubt it was the correct decision. "It was plumb, man," he said before following it up with that familiar hearty laugh we have come to know so well over the years.

Posted by: Russ