The West Somerset Cricket League has appealed for willing umpires due to a shortage in the 2019 season so far.

A statement on the league website from Stuart Allbut reads: "I am, as umpire co-ordinator, suffering from lack of umpires through illness, injury or retirement, therefore I am struggling to cover all the matches in the first division with two umpires and I have not managed to cover any second division matches at all in the first half of the season.

"So anyone who is coming to the end of their playing career and wishes to give something back to the game, the West Somerset League is an ideal venue to start your umpiring career.

"If any ex-players who would like an introduction to umpiring, or if you know anyone else that might be interested, they would be standing with an experienced umpire who would guide them through their first games.

"If I don’t get more umpires then clubs will end up umpiring their own games again, and I am sure you don’t want that.

"At the moment the umpires expenses are £25 per match plus their excellent cricket teas and the chance of standing in some very picturesque cricket grounds."

Anybody who is interested in taking up umpiring in the West Somerset League can contact Stuart Allbut on 01823 279918 or e-mail msallbut@hotmail.co.uk.