A dream of officiating in Cup Match has become reality for respected umpire Oscar Andrade.The former Nationals and Forties leg spinner was chosen along with Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association (BCUA) colleagues Richard Austin and Kent Gibbons to officiate this year’s classic at Wellington Oval.Andrade and Austin will stand in the middle while Gibbons has been designated as the third official.Father of one Andrade admits he was surprised to have been given the opportunity to make his debut as a Cup Match umpire this year.“I was surprised because I figured it would probably be a couple more years before I got picked,” he said.“I know I’ve been in and around the mix, but it’s one of those things you never know until you know.“It’s an honour and I’ve always wanted to do a Cup Match at some point. I’ve now got that under my belt and hopefully everything goes really well on Thursday and Friday.”“This is definitely the pinnacle for me in terms of cricket umpiring. This is obviously the game and for Bermuda the equivalent of the Ashes.”Andrade is qualified for the job having successfully obtained umpiring certification in the West Indies and locally.The former cricketer took up umpiring after retiring from playing in the Commercial League several years ago.“I used to do square leg umpiring for Randy Butler and George Francis and they were always keen to get my out,” Andrade said.“I always promised Randy as soon as a retired from playing I would come out, and that’s basically what I did. When I finally stopped playing for Forties I got my full Bermuda badge and West Indies qualifications and here I am.”Andrade warmed up for the big occasion officiating in St George’s final trial match at Wellington Oval at the weekend.Since being appointed the job for the two-day classic, Andrade has received many well wishes from his colleagues and members of the public.“I’ve had all sorts of people I don’t even know walk up to me calling my name and congratulating me and it’s really been good,” Andrade said.“I will try to approach the match as I do any other and it will be interesting to see how I adapt to the noise level at Cup Match which obviously is much louder than any game I’ve done before.”