A Good Man in the Middle
Behind every game, every season, and every competition, there are people who show up because they love the game. Phillip Nippress has been one of those people in Alice Springs for 25 years and more than 400 matches, and as he steps away from umpiring, his contribution is being formally recognised.
Nippress’ retirement has been acknowledged by the Northern Territory Government, with Minister for Sport, the Hon. Jinson Charls MLA, praising his long-standing contribution to cricket in Alice Springs.
“Cricket in Central Australia is stronger today because of Phillip Nippress’s unwavering dedication,” the Minister said.
“He has poured his time, energy, and expertise into the sport, not for accolades, but out of a genuine love for the game and the opportunities it provides for others.
“I wish Phillip the very best in his retirement. I have no doubt he will continue to enjoy the sport he loves now from the comfort of the stands.”
Nippress came to umpiring the way many do, through playing. After growing up with the game in Adelaide, he moved to Alice Springs in the early 2000s and played with Westies before a calf injury brought his playing days to an end.
Umpiring became a way to stay involved, and he remained in the middle for the next 25 years.
“I’ve always had an interest in cricket,” Nippress said.
“And what’s been really good is it’s enabled me to keep in touch with the younger generation and develop relationships with the players coming through.”
Across more than 400 matches, he umpired games involving his own son and regularly backed up across multiple grades in the same day. His role was never about filling a gap, but about staying connected to the game and community.
His service was formally recognised in 2017 when he was named a Life Member of the Alice Springs Cricket Association, reflecting years of consistent contribution to the competition.
One of the many moments that stands out came during a match involving former AFL player Adrian McAdam, who played as a ring-in for Rovers following the Imparja Cup.
Before he came out to bat, McAdam pulled Phil aside. He had a plane to catch back to Darwin and needed to score quickly.
“Could you keep an eye on the time for me, Phil?” McAdam asked.
“No problem,” Phil replied.
McAdam came out and started playing aggressively against a Darwin all-rounder who had earlier made 50 for Westies while also filling in as a ring-in.
After a few big shots, the bowler had seen enough and called McAdam “a hacker”.
“If you keep bowling this rubbish, I’ll keep hitting it.” McAdam fired back.
The very next ball was pitched just outside off stump and McAdam launched it over cover and onto the roof of the pavilion.
Every few overs he would check back in with Phil.
“What’s the time?”
The answer was never quite comfortable, with his flight getting closer and closer, but as long as the Darwin ring-in bowler kept coming back for more, McAdam was not about to let him have the last word.
Eventually Westies pulled the bowler from the attack and the young opening bowler who replaced him dismissed McAdam first ball. The score was 2 for 86. McAdam had made 84 of them.
“When his head’s in the right space, he was just pretty well invincible,” Phil said.
It is exactly the kind of moment that made umpiring worthwhile for Nippress. Being in the middle of the stories, the rivalries and the personalities that shaped local cricket.
For anyone considering taking up umpiring, his advice remains simple.
“Get involved, enjoy your cricket, and don’t take the game too seriously.”
“As a bowler, you can bowl average and get wickets, and other times bowl really well and not get wickets. That’s just the way the game goes.”
At this year’s presentation night, the Alice Springs Cricket Association will introduce a new annual Umpire of the Year award carrying the name of Phil Nippress.
It will be the first time the competition has formally recognised its umpires in this way, acknowledging the people who quietly keep the game running each week.
Phil, true to form, prefers to keep the praise elsewhere.
“I’ve been blessed with good health, and my wife’s been supportive of me umpiring, and the family too,” he said.
“It’s not just about me.”
Twenty-five years. More than 400 games. A competition a little richer for having had him in it.