Graham Cooper paid a welcome return visit to Copenhagen in a 2-fold visit over the weekend of 18-19 May. The visit coincided with the Colts Play-off matches between Denmark and Germany, and Graham went not only to watch the matches and evaluate the strength of the 2 teams but, more importantly, to officially assess the umpires involved in the games.

The games were a little one-sided, with the first resulting in a 10-wicket victory for Denmark. History was made when the 2 teams took the field because it was the first game to be played on the brand new turf pitch at Svanholm CC. The club have recently moved into a new complex, some 3 or 4 miles from their old ground, and were eager to see how their newly laid turf pitch would play. Although it was a trifle damp it played well and the U19s enjoyed their game. The German side batted first and scored 113 in 40 overs (the games were over 50 overs), with the Danish boys scoring the runs very comfortably in just 23 overs.

The 2nd game was played at nearby Glostrup CC on an artificial pitch. This time the Danes batted first and amassed a mighty 369-3 in their 48 overs after rain had forced the players to have an early lunch - hence the reduced overs. The German side were never going to reach such a big target but equipped themselves well and stuck to their task admirably. They kept the Danes in the field for 46 overs before they were finally all out for 135.

On the umpiring side Graham managed to carry out Boundary Assessments on 3 umpires (one stood in both games) and was able to give some positive feedback to them on their performances. Time was also spent finding out how the umpiring programme was proceeding in Denmark following his visits in March and April. He is glad to report that all is going well to plan and more umpires are waiting to be trained and examined next winter.