THE Hamilton and District Cricket Umpires Association (HDCUA) honoured two of its stalwarts over the past week with life membership bestowed on Leo McMahon and Andy Lambert.

The pair join a very select list of men who have attained the status with Bill Brilley, Brian Jacobson (dec) and Allan Flavell the only other HDCUA members awarded life membership.

It was Allan Flavell who recruited both men to the umpiring ranks when their playing careers had come to an end, and each has attained.

McMahon started his umpiring career in 2004-05 season and has stood in 213 games, while Lambert began 2008-09 summer and has 206 games under his belt.

Lambert has stood in four Hamilton and District Cricket Association A grade Grand Finals over his career, while McMahon officiated in two top grade deciders which are just as coveted for an umpire as they are for the players.

Both men had distinguished playing careers before taking up their spots behind the stumps, with Lambert taking the field for St Andrew’s and Dunkeld/Grampians, while McMahon played for St Mary’s.

The wealth of knowledge that each man has about the game is immeasurable, and each has passed along their wisdom and experience to all younger and new umpires as they have started their umpiring careers.

Lambert was prevented from standing in a game this season due to ill health, but he assured the HDCUA members that he would return to the field next season, while McMahon would suit up again for his 20th summer.

Any one who is interested in taking up the role can contact any current umpire and they will take it from there.