Until, that was, he sole umpired (both ends) Fareham & Crofton’s County Division 1 match against Hook & Newnham Basics at Bath Lane.
So off-line was the bowling, Paul signalled a staggering 109 extras during the game which Hook won by 80 runs.
Fareham sent down 46 extras – 31 of them in wides and no-balls – but Hook contrived to beat that !
They chalked up a half-century in wides and no-balls and 63 total extras.
But Hook’s 296-9 proved too many for Fareham, who made 216 all out in reply.
Sparshott returned home to book an immediately appointment with his physio ...