THE ENCO Halifax League, building on the innovative success of their recruiting campaign in the winter of 2022-23, will have a record number of umpires in the league this summer.

A total of 76 will don white coats in 2024, which is up from the pre-Covid figure of 57 in 2019.

However, that doesn’t mean that the league can rest on their laurels as, with 32 league fixtures to fully staff every Saturday, 64 umpires will be needed every Saturday,

And with absentees, holiday unavailability etc, the league reckon that the aspiration of having two umpires at every first and second XI match this season is still a little way off.

Recruitment therefore continues and should anyone wishing to join the league’s panel of umpires for “the best seat in the house”, they should contact Andrew Mitchell (01422-356365) or Glen Tillotson (01274- 818823).

The league’s 2024 season starts on Saturday, April 20.

In other news, the ECB are holding a Foundation Coaching course in Bradford on two dates in May.

The sessions will be held at the Adil Rashid Cricket Centre, which is on Bede’s Close, off Thornton Road (BD13 3NR) on Sundays May 5 and 12 (9.30am-4pm), and prospective coaches, who must be 17 to register and 18 to gain certification, must attend on both days.

The modules are done online and DBS certificates must be produced before certification is given.

To register for the benefit of delivering safe, inclusive sessions, or gain further information, contact Kevin Gresham at k.gresham@yorkshirecb.com