If you have ever played cricket in Shepparton in the past 35 years, chances are stalwart umpire Jim Evans has officiated one of your games.
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Odds are that he stood beside you at square leg, turned down one of your many loud appeals or even raised his finger to send you back to the pavilion.
Evans most likely taught you a thing or two about the great game when you were still in the junior ranks, drawing upon his vast playing and umpiring experience to help you get that next wicket or chalk up that next big innings.
And you didn't even have to have played cricket in the Goulburn Valley to know Evans, because his umpiring credentials involve more than half-a-dozen trips to Melbourne for Junior Country Week.
But after contributing almost half his lifetime to umpiring, Evans has decided to call stumps on his incredible journey.
The life member of Shepparton Cricket Umpires Association said now was the right time to step back and watch on from the stands.
“I'll miss having that contact with the players and the game itself,” Evans, 71, said.
“(I'll miss) the anticipation of a weekend and getting to umpire those big games.
“And being involved with the youngsters coming through and helping them out — after a day's play of course. I like to help out anyone who wants to further their playing or umpiring ability.”
Not only is Evans’ contribution to cricket evident by his life membership, but also through a trophy named in his honour.
At each of Cricket Shepparton's night of nights, the Jim Evans Trophy is awarded to the most improved umpire.
However, the humble Evans recounted that he opposed the idea of having a trophy named after him.
“I am very proud to be recognised that way,” he said.
“I personally wasn't in favour when it was suggested at a meeting that the award would be named after me.
“But I was out-voted by the panel.
“It's quite an honour, I held the treasury role for 25 years and was a chairman of selectors for 10-15 years.”
Cricket Shepparton president David D'Elia spoke glowingly of Evans and thanked him for his remarkable contribution to cricket.
“Jim's contribution will be sorely missed by Cricket Shepparton,” D'Elia said.
“He is a very good umpire and his experience will be missed. And above all, he is an outstanding person.
“Jim was a fair reason why I first started umpiring and I think I speak on behalf of everybody when I say that we wish him well and we thank him for his outstanding contribution."
Evans has umpired more A-grade grand finals than you can count on one hand and continued to provide his umpiring skills in lower grade grand finals.
“Jim's been a stalwart of the umpiring association and Cricket Shepparton for as long as I can remember,” director of umpires Gary Wood said.
“It's not an easy task to devote so many years to one thing.
“He has always been there, done his role, filled in another role and always helped out in any way he could.
“He always put his hand up to help out. People like Jim don't come around very often.”
Like most, Evans swapped the playing whites for umpiring following a serious injury.
His playing career started out at Box Hill, before he moved for work and joined Congupna Cricket Club and then he eventually landed at Lemnos Footballers CC.
But it was with counter in hand — along with his signature sunscreen-covered face — out in the middle of the ground where Evans earned the respect of cricketers and officials alike.
The experienced official revealed the attributes he believes makes a talented umpire.
“Patience and concentration, you need thick skin as well,” he said.
“You must concentrate from the moment the ball is released until it is back in the hands of the keeper or if the ball is no longer in play.
“If you have your doubts on a decision, then the benefit goes to the batsman.
“Because if you gave each appeal out then the game wouldn't last long at all.
“You also endeavour to get the players’ respect. I'd say nine out of 10 times you do and you hope that stays with you.”
Since his first foray into umpiring in 1985, Evans has seen his fair share of the region's best cricketers.
From Peter Whitelock and Kim Chapman to Glenn Hart, Evans said there had "been so many great players" he watched from the best seat in the house.
But there is one player he regards as one of the best.
“Rohan Larkin was one of the best batsmen that I've had the pleasure to watch,” Evans said.
“And a great bowler and captain, he was the complete package.
“I umpired the Haisman final where he scored 243 not out against Mooroopna, that was an incredible innings.
“No doubt I've missed a few, so I do apologise.”
Unfortunately, Evans’ retirement — through no fault of his own — will reduce the local umpiring brigade.
The shortage of umpires has become a concern for a number of years and only recently, the umpires association called for more helping hands.
“We are always looking for more umpires to join the ranks, most of us aren't spring chickens anymore,” Evans said with a laugh.
“I know the thought of umpiring can turn people away, but it's very rewarding in the long run, trust me.
“But I've put all I could into it and it's time to let others have a crack.
“I won't be lost to cricket, I know that.”
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