Rotorua local Colin Elstob has won the title of New Zealand’s favourite Kiwi cricket umpire in a Specsavers nationwide search to reward an unsung hero of club cricket.
Competing with a very high calibre of entries, Colin claimed the title having dedicated 30 years to the sport.
New Zealand International cricket umpire Tony Hill judged the competition and chose Colin ahead of the five other regional finalists (David Hanson from Auckland, David Henderson from Christchurch, Del Whyte from Napier, Rex Bartholomew from Levin and Robert Murphy from Palmerston North) due to his outstanding commitment to umpiring junior cricket in his area and abroad.
“Colin really stood out to me for his absolute dedication. Not only is he involved in umpiring the next generation of cricketers in his region, but he also takes regular trips to the Cook Islands to train and develop local cricket umpires there.”
“Specsavers and New Zealand Cricket really wanted to reward an umpire passionate about grassroots cricket and Colin’s natural love and dedication of the sport touches all those he mentors, umpires and plays with. That’s what keeps the spirit of cricket alive.”
Colin is very humbled to be named New Zealand’s favourite Kiwi cricket umpire.
"I really love cricket, both playing and umpiring so it’s fantastic to walk away with an award for something I love doing. Seeing kids enjoying and learning more about our great game is what it’s all about. If I can do my part to help them as they continue to develop and grow as cricketers then that’s fantastic.”
Colin started playing cricket from the age 10 and coached local cricket teams throughout New Zealand before moving to Rotorua. He is a keen supporter of his local cricket club, Central Cricket, and has been involved in grassroots umpiring for the past three years.
Graeme Edmond, Managing Director of Specsavers New Zealand says he’s proud to give the title to someone so deserving.
“I can definitely say that local cricket umpiring is in safe hands thanks to Colin and the fantastic involvement he has had with his local community. We wish him all the best, and hope that he has a great umpiring season.”
As part of his award Colin wins a one-on-one training session with Tony Hill, $1,000 worth of prize money, a family pass to an international cricket game in New Zealand, $500 worth of Blackcaps gear, 2x Specsavers prescription glasses and 2x Specsavers prescription sunglasses.
About Specsavers:
Specsavers was founded by Doug and Dame Mary Perkins in 1984 and is now the largest privately owned optical retailer in the world and the third largest in New Zealand. The couple still actively run the company today, along with their three children. Specsavers has about 1,500 stores in ten countries worldwide and over 53 stores in New Zealand.
Bringing value to the eye wear market, Specsavers offer ‘2 pairs of glasses for 1 low price’ on all glasses $169 and above, with designer ranges starting at two pairs from $299. High quality, standard single vision PENTAX lenses are always included in the price. Specsavers stores offer a wide range of designer glasses including Gok Wan, Alex Perry, Karen Millen, Quicksilver, Roxy, Jasper Conran, Red or Dead and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as Osiris, the biggest selling frame range in Europe, which is exclusive to Specsavers.
