First Class Debut for Roberto

In a month of milestones, Roberto Howard became NSWCUSA First-Class Umpire number 88 when he made his debut in the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and Western Australia at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval, which commenced on 15 October. List A and First-Class elevations within four weeks are rare and they reflect Roberto’s steady and impressive progress since he joined the Premier Cricket Panel in 2010.

Promotion to First Grade was achieved in 2016–17, followed by selection for the NSW State Umpire Panel the following year, culminating in appointments to the finals of the Under 15, Under 17, and Under 19 Male National Championships - an achievement matched by only one other umpire.

Roberto reached the 200-match mark in NSW Premier Cricket during the 2023–24 season and celebrated his 100th First Grade match last season. He was elevated to Cricket Australia’s Contracted Umpire Panel ahead of the 2024–25 season and made his BBL debut last summer in the Melbourne Stars v. Sydney Thunder clash at Manuka Oval. In September, he became the 46th umpire from NSW to officiate in a List A match.

Luke O’Brien, Cricket Australia’s Match Officials Manager, praised Roberto’s commitment and professionalism. “Roberto has demonstrated exceptional dedication to his craft over many years. Elevation to First-Class cricket is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the respect earned within the officiating community.”

Roberto’s partner in Hobart is Mike Graham-Smith, with David Johnston and Xavier Doherty performing Match Referee duties. We congratulate Roberto on this memorable occasion and wish him well, for what will hopefully be the first of many appointments at First-Class level. The match can be viewed on Kayo and at cricket.com.au, with play commencing at 10:30am Sydney time.

Tim Donahoo

Executive Officer

17 October 2025