NEIL CAPSTICK is one of our unsung heroes, and a treasure of Nelson Cricket.

There is no one in the sport in Nelson who hasn't benefited from his tireless work organising and developing umpires for cricket in the region - and, he's been one of the most popular umpires to keep watch over the local game himself.

"Cappy" began his umpiring journey after following his son Paul Capstick's adventures - Paul having played for Nelson and Central Districts A in the 2000s as a left-hand top order batter.

Cappy's father Jack has also been involved in the game as a 1940s Wellington first-class cricketer, and his cousin John represented the New Zealand Colts team in the 1950s.

Neil's path would be one of umpiring rather than playing and not only has he contributed hugely as a longtime top umpire, but as a commitee member of the CENTRAL DISTRICTS CRICKET UMPIRES AND SCORERS ASSOCIATION.

Capstick (left) receives Nelson's 2022 Donald Farquahar Memorial Cup for umpiring.

Neil has been a regular winner of this award | NELSON CRICKET

Capstick has been an integral member of the CDUSA Board for the past eight years, so it was a special occasion at the CDUSA AGM this month when his colleagues honoured him with Life Membership of the organisation.

Neil joins a select list of CDUSA Life Members whose contributions to the Districts and CD Cricket have been far-reaching.

In addition to being a top-performing umpire in Nelson's club cricket, he has stood in 50 matches at Central Districts Chapple Cup, Hawke Cup and senior Nelson representative level.

He's also made the time to take a lead role in local umpire training for many years, as well as serving the CDUSA in the inevitably time-consuming roles of Secretary/Treasurer and Appointments Manager.

He's been the calm, unflappable, invaluable person who ensures there are umpires for every game - even when there are last-minute illnesses and hiccups.

Marlborough umpire and CDUSA Board colleague DAVE PATERSON was delighted to be called upon to present Capstick with his Life Membership, as CDUSA and CD Cricket reflected on and celebrated Neil's contribution to cricket.

Paterson said it was his privilege.

"Neil is a hugely respected, accurate umpire who has umpired the majority of his cricket in the Nelson region," said Paterson.

"Players really enjoy Neil’s calm, fair and consistent umpiring style. A guard of honour, and wonderful words spoken by respective Buller and Nelson captains, at his 50th rep game last season are testament to the high esteem in which he is held by the players."

Paterson said Capstick has made a "huge contribution" to umpiring off the field.

"Neil has given back wholeheartedly as a volunteer administrator over many years. A top umpire. A top administrator. And most importantly, Neil is a top bloke."

Dave Paterson presents Neil Capstick (right) with his CDUSA Life Membership

Among the many responsibilities that have sat in Neil's portfolio, training local Nelson umpires over many years has been essential to the ongoing operations of Community cricket. And of course, there is balancing the books, often in challenging circumstances.

Capstick recently stepped down from all his roles due to health reasons. Paterson notes that it is a credit to Neil’s ability and service "that it is going to take three or four of us to replace him. He has always been highly efficient, an excellent communicator and so calm.

"His real skills (especially with regards to patience) would become apparent whenever umpires pulled out of games at the last minute. Neil handled these logistical challenges with aplomb.

"He wasn’t a big talker at our CD Umpires Executive meetings, but when he did speak - in his measured, calm way - his point of view was always worth listening to.

"Neil is such a highly worthy recipient of the CDUSA Life Membership award and it's been wonderful to see him awarded this special honour."

UPDATE 2 October 2024

It is with deep sadness that we learned of Neil's passing in early October, after a period of ill health. Central Districts joins with Nelson Cricket, the Central Districts Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association, and our wider cricket community in offering our deepest condolences to Neil's family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace, Neil. 

 

Article added: Tuesday 17 September 2024