New Zealand Cricket umpire Kathy Cross was so stunned she’d won the Hutt Valley Sports supreme award that she could barely stand up to accept it.
“I was totally overwhelmed when my name was called out,” she told blackcaps.co.nz.
“I just sort of sat in my seat and my son who was sitting next to me said you better go up there Mum because that was your name!?”
The 58 year old Cross, who was earlier in the night named official of the year, beat out nine other category winners to claim the major gong of the night.
“It was surreal and very unexpected, and then on my way up to the stage my boys did a Haka for me and that was very emotional, very emotional indeed.”
From officiating in the 2000 Women’s World Cup, to this year’s Women’s World Twenty20 in India; Cross has established herself as a premier international umpire and was humbled to be honoured by her community.
“It’s a community I’ve been a part of for over 40 years and both my children are a part of it as well now, so it’s very special.”
Cross’s win was far from the only coup for cricket at the awards as leather on willow featured in three other categories.
Usually synonymous with softball, cricket’s prominence in the Hutt Valley sports awards is a significant moment for New Zealand Cricket’s Community team as they continue to try and grow the game in all areas of the country.
“It’s always pleasing to see cricket up there as finalists and it was fantastic to see the Hutt Valley 1st XI win the team award - that was a great achievement.”
“I’ve always thought Hutt Valley has had a fairly strong hold in cricket, but I suppose it has dwindled a bit in some years but then it’s picked up again in other years such as the World Cup last year and the World T20 this year.”
Hutt Valley 1st XI coach Mark Borthwick was also a finalist for coach of the year while the very promising Rachin Racindra, who was one of the better performers on the New Zealand U19s’ Dubai & World Cup tour and the young individual winner in NZC’s own Community Awards this season, was up for young sportsman of the year.
After a long, hot summer under her umpired hat, Cross is now looking forward to some time off.
“It’s been a very busy six months and now it is time to tidy up a few things around my home and get a few things done before I start my winter training.”
At 58, Cross is showing no signs of slowing down and is also involved in trying to develop the next generation of Kiwi female umpires.
“There are a few coming through. We could probably count them on one hand at the moment, but we have to start somewhere and I’m very happy with that so far.”
