Photo © ECC

Denis Burns delivered an ECC Introductory Course, complete with the written and oral examinations over the weekend 4-6 April in Oslo, using the new style visual format developed by Graham Cooper. The participants were well prepared, enthusiastic, encyclopaedic in their knowledge of cricket, and keen to play their part in raising the standard of Norwegian umpiring and cricket. The Laws of the game were discussed and debated in depth.

The name of Bob Gibb is synonymous with organisation in Norwegian cricket. The involvement of the ECC in umpire training is one part of the comprehensive move forward in strengthening the game at all levels. Over the same weekend Stan Mortensen was busy coaching the Norwegian national squad, fuelling their ambitions to make an impact on the ECC Notts SportĘ Trophy. Bob ensured that the organisation of umpire training and coaching was meticulous.

Umpires in Norway have a busy schedule, officiating two thirty-over games in one day. The commitment of the participants was exemplary; every opportunity was seized to link the Laws with field craft and practical demonstration. There is a real `buzz' about the momentum achieved by the Norwegian Cricket Board in the last two years. Umpires feel that they are part of an inclusive drive to take their country's cricket forward.