They sit there hunched around their score sheets and computer screens diligently keeping tally over after over.
It is work which can go underappreciated.
But every now and then someone notices.
Long-serving Otago scorer Malcolm Jones was named scorer of the year at the New Zealand Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association annual meeting on Friday.
The meeting was supposed to be held in Wellington but was shifted online due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Auckland umpire Wayne Knights was the other major winner He was named umpire of the year.
For Jones it was nice to get some recognition but the big rewards are built into the job.
He gets paid to watch cricket at some of the best venues in the country and the lunches are not too bad either.
Jones has been at it longer than most.
The 69-year-old is closing in on 200 first-class games.
His start in scoring came during the 1980s and his career has now spanned five decades.
"It is pretty special," he said when asked what the award meant to him.
It is the second time he has been named scorer of the year. He collected the award in 2016 as well.
"It was decided on by a group of my peers, so that always makes it a wee bit more meaningful.
"It’s nice recognition but it is a very, very enjoyable role.
"Not many people get to spend a good part of their spare time doing something they really love and get paid for it as well."
Jones started scoring in 1981 for the Central Otago team and made his first-class debut in 1987.
Otago was hosting Canterbury at his beloved Molyneux Park.
In other news from the meeting, Otago’s George Morris and John Henderson retain their spots on the board.
