THIS summer has seen many young, up–and–coming cricketers play their best on the field in their whites, but only one in the light–blue garb of a WDCA umpire.
For 14–year old Rory Harvey, the chance to stand in the centre once again was a dream.
"I did footy umpiring last year and I hurt my shoulder playing cricket last season for Rovers United Bruck and I wanted to get back into cricket but I didn't know how because I couldn't play," he said.
"I was in under 14s and played a couple senior games – that's where I did my shoulder.
"I heard that they (the WDCA) needed umpires and I thought it would be a great way to get back into it."
Harvey said his knowledge and experience in the game helped him transition from player to umpire quite easily.
"It was pretty easy, especially if you're into cricket and know the rules," he said.
"You let them know you want to start and then you have just got to do a couple courses just to know the rules fully.
"There are a few things like local rules that you'll need to know.
"Once you've done that you kind of just learn alongside them (other umpires) – it's more line in–person learning than anything else."
Harvey's first umpiring job was a B grade match between Milawa and City Colts, and he spent the first 12 overs at the non–striker's end with veteran WDCA umpire Jim Davidson guiding him through the process.
After finding his legs, Harvey held down an end by himself, alternating main umpire duties with Davidson for the remainder of the match.
The call–up for his umpiring debut game only a day before.
"I was excited, I got all my stuff together because I just wanted to get back out there, get to the cricket again," Harvey said.
"I was a bit nervous, but I wasn't as nervous as I expected to be, because it was the same environment that I'd been around.
"Everyone was friendly enough, really welcoming.
"It was just good to know there wasn't that much pressure on me.
"Hopefully I can work my way up to A grade and just keep going.
"I did like it, so I'd like to get some A grade cricket umpiring.
"I don't really know what happens after this – all I know so far is I'll just keep trying to do my best and keep trying to get the better games."
