One of the Bradford Premier League’s best-known umpires Steve Malone will bring his career to an end today when he takes charge of the Voneus Village Cup final between Milford Hall and Leeds & Broomfield at Lord’s.

To bow out at the home of cricket is a huge honour for the former Essex and Hampshire fast bowler, who will celebrate his 70th birthday on October 19.

“It was a big surprise when I was told I had been appointed. What a great place for me to umpire my final game. It is going to be special,” said Malone as he prepares for that clash between West Midlands side Milford Hall and Leeds & Broomfield from Kent.

“I have played at Lord’s for Hampshire and been there with the Essex squad when they beat Surrey in the 1989 Benson & Hedges Cup final, but I haven’t umpired there.”

A member of the Bradford Premier League Panel since 2018, he has been umpiring since 1997 after ending his playing career.

Since joining the Bradford Premier League, he has officiated in the T20 Group A Cup finals of 2020, 2021 and 2022, umpired the 2022 Heavy Woollen Cup final between New Farnley and Townville, and was third umpire for the recent Priestley Cup final between Bradford & Bingley and Woodlands.

Explaining his decision to bow out, Malone said: “I have had some great times but now I want to spend more time with my family.

“My wife Liz has given me great support and that has allowed me to spend so much time involved with cricket.

“It is great that she will be at Lord’s for my final game. We are going to spend a couple of days in London and take in a show in the West End.

“I could not think of a better way to bow out. To walk through the Long Room and out on to the Lord’s pitch it is the perfect end.”