McGregor Leads Honours at 2025/26 Annual Dinner and Awards Night

The NSWCUSA 2025/26 Awards Night recognised another outstanding season of achievement across umpiring and scoring, celebrating members who have demonstrated excellence, commitment and service to the Association and the wider cricket community.

Held for the first time at the Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club, on Saturday 11 April, a strong spirit of fellowship and enjoyment was evident throughout the evening. Members came together to acknowledge those who excelled and reconnect with colleagues, many of whom had travelled significant distances to attend.

The evening’s highest honour, the George Borwick Memorial Award, was presented to Bob McGregor, recognising his exceptional contribution both on and off the field throughout the season.

Bob’s commitment to the Association was evident through his consistent attendance at meetings and full availability across Men’s Premier Cricket. He officiated 15 preliminary round fixtures across multiple grades, with captains praising his strong match management, clear communication and consistently positive approach. His season average of 4.63 reflected a high level of performance, complemented by the significant milestone of reaching 150 First Grade matches.

The Awards Night also celebrated a wide range of achievements across the Men’s and Women’s Panels, representative cricket, and scoring.

In the Men’s Panels, Kunaratnam Balendra (Panel Five) impressed in his debut Premier Cricket season with consistent performances across Fourth and Fifth Grade, while Taj Nicholson (Panel Four) quickly progressed through the grades in a breakthrough year marked by strong communication and decision-making.

Paul Chambiras (Panel Three) continued his steady rise with 17 matches and a Second Grade debut, while Charles Williams (Panel Two) produced an exceptional season highlighted by a First Grade debut and an outstanding 4.9 average rating.

At the top of the Men’s Panels, Darren Goodger (Panel One) once again set the benchmark for excellence, earning his 16th Panel One Award, 11 of them consecutively, supported by an extraordinary 4.98 captain’s average and a long-standing contribution to mentoring across the Association.

In the Women’s Panel, Sue Gregory (Panel One) was recognised for her consistency and professionalism, with appointments to both First Grade Finals and an outstanding 4.87 season average reflecting her strong performances across both Men’s and Women’s Premier Cricket. Gerard Abood was recognised for becoming the most decorated Sheffield Shield umpire, setting a tally of appearances (currently 86) that continues to grow and may potentially never be surpassed. A special presentation was made to Gerard on the night.

The Malcolm Gorham Scorers Award was awarded to Toni Lorraine, acknowledging her outstanding service as a scorer, her technical expertise and her long-standing contribution to Mosman Cricket Club since 1998.

The Alan Marshall Medal for Rookie Umpire of the Year was awarded to Paul Brewster, who made a strong impression in his debut Premier Cricket season with consistent performances and a 4.44 average across multiple grades.

The Kevin Pye Medal was awarded to Kate Rowlands, recognising a standout season that included rapid progression to the State Panel and multiple Cricket Australia appointments, highlighted by her selection for the Under 19 Female National Championship Final.

The E.F. Wykes OAM Association Medal was awarded to Mark Frecklington, recognising his outstanding availability, leadership and mentoring within the Mitchell Cricket Umpires’ Association, as well as his strong performances across both local and representative cricket.

The 2025/26 season once again highlighted the depth of talent, dedication and commitment within NSWCUSA. From emerging officials to long serving leaders of the Association, each award winner has contributed to maintaining the highest standards of officiating across cricket in New South Wales.

Congratulations to all award recipients on a remarkable season.