Information for umpires and scorers in Queensland
Stephen joined the Brisbane grade umpiring ranks in 2009-2010 and has since officiated in over 200 grade games. Stephen was appointed to the National Supplementary Umpire Panel for the 2022-23 season, reflecting his high standard of performances across BBL, WBBL, WNCL and National Junior Championships. Since 2016 Stephen has been in the CA umpiring pathway, attending several under age tournaments, including standing in the 2019 U19 Male National Championships Final with Steve Farrell, and the 2022 U19 Male National Championships Final with Sharad Patel.
Joshua started umpiring in the 2014-2015 season and has umpired in Brisbane Premier Grade First Grade since 2018. Joshua joined the State Umpiring Panel in 2021, officiating in the WBBL and U19 Female National Championships in 2022. Off the field, Joshua is an academic in sport & performance psychology. His PhD explored how expert cricket umpires make decisions, and Joshua hopes to translate his research into evidence-based training for both grassroots and elite-level umpires in the future.
Ben has been a member of the QCUSA First Grade panel since the 2010/11 season and has over 200 games of experience across all First Grade formats. Having finished his playing days in Townsville, Ben began his umpiring journey shortly thereafter, before being selected to officiate the Australian Country Cricket Championships in 2008. Ben was part of the Queensland State Panel in 2016, having also officiated on-field in Second XI fixtures, two National Under 17 Championships, WBBL and WNCL, as well as BBL 4th Umpire. Furthering his cricketing experience, Ben spent the 21-22 season umpiring First Grade in the Sydney Cricket Association (SCA) and thoroughly enjoyed the challenges that come with travelling and officiating in one of the world's premier club competitions. Outside of cricket, Ben enjoys travel, fitness activities and helping clients achieve their financial goals in his role as a Senior Accounting Adviser.
Nathan started umpiring in 2011-2012 with the QCUSA and has umpired in 271 games in total across all Premier Cricket competitions. Nathan stood in the First Grade T20 Grand Final and the Second Grade 2-Day and 1-Day Grand Finals in the 2021-22 seasons. In 2019-2020 Nathan attended the CA U17 National Championship held in Mackay. In recent seasons, Nathan has continued to show his coachability and commitment to improve his umpiring knowledge and technique. Nathan has undertaken the important role of overseeing professional development activities for the QCUSA members in his role of Training & Education Officer.
Commenced umpiring in the 2005-06 season with the QCUSA and has umpired over 300 Queensland Premier Cricket Matches, including a men's First Grade debut in 2010. Spent the 2011-12 season in the ACT Premier Cricket competition including a WNCL T20 at Manuka Oval, after relocating for work. Outside cricket, is an admitted lawyer working in enforcement for a Commonwealth government agency, and President of a Toastmasters club, focusing on communication and leadership skills.
Michael Mellifont is a current First Grade umpire in the Brisbane Premier Cricket competition (QCA). Mellifont first commenced umpiring in 2006 and have stood in over 300 premier cricket matches. He debuted as an umpire in First Grade in 2015 and has been a regular First Grade umpire since 2017 and has stood in over 100 First Grade fixtures across the three playing formats. He has representative experience and umpired at a CA 2nd XI T20 competition in January 2020 involving Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania.
Riki Wessels began umpiring Premier Cricket following his relocation to Australia in 2022 after retiring from first class cricket. Riki had a 17-year career as a county cricketer in England, playing for Northants, Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire. Riki was awarded Notts Cricketer of the Year in 2014 and won several accolades as T20 player of the year for both Notts and Worcester. Riki has played all over the world, specialising in T20 cricket. Riki returned to his country of birth in 2022, embarking on an umpiring career in which he brings his playing experience to the umpiring panel and hopes this will be of benefit from both player and umpiring perspectives.
