North Devon Cricket Club Profiles

David Shepherd	One of the most respected and liked umpires in international cricket, David Shepherd was born and bred in Devon, and although he has travelled the world plying his trade, he has always been true to his West Country roots. Instantly recognisable, the genial Shepherd is one of the most popular and highly-respected umpires. He is possibly best known for his aversion to the dreaded Nelson, but that disguises the fact that he is a fair and competent official, as shown by the fact the he stood in three successive World Cup finals (1996, 1999, 2003) and six tournaments overall. He was appointed as a first-class umpire in 1981 and the speed of his elevation to the international stage was evidence of his ability and the regard in which he was, and still is, held. In 2005 he umpires his last Test match and then umpired his final international game - England v Australia at The Oval - before fittingly ending his career at Bristol.

Bill Shepherd	Bill is David’s older brother by what we are reliable informed is just eighteen months. An allround sportsman Bill played Rugby for South Molton, Football for Bideford. He also played Hockey and was a more than a useful Darts & Skittles player. The one sport he excelled in above all others was cricket In the late 1950’s early 1960’s Bill was on the Lord’s ground staff as a young and promising batsman and left arm spinner. He achieved the destination of scoring a 100 at Lords for the MCC Young Professionals a feat many cricketers only dream about. A little known fact is that in 1959 the two brothers actually played against each other, David playing for English Schools and Bill representing MCC Young Professionals. We have yet to find out the result of the match Bill returned to his Instow home in the early 1960’s to help run the family business however he continued playing cricket for North Devon CC & Devon achieving many fine performances with both bat and ball.

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