Cricket in the Peak District and Derbyshire
Derbyshire County Cricket Club
After a day’s walking in the Peak District why not enjoy all the excitement of First Class cricket at Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Derbyshire Cricket Club also has a limited overs team named the Derbyshire Falcons, after a Peregrine Falcon which nested in the City’s Cathedral.
When your feet are no longer able to tread the pathways of the Peaks one more mile consider following in a great tradition by going to see a quintessentially British pastime, a cricket match. Derbyshire has its own county team and although not the foremost in the country it will provide an afternoon of quiet enjoyment.
Derbyshire Cricket Clubs first season was reported to be 1871 with an opening match against Lancashire at Old Trafford, Manchester. By all accounts Lancashire was thrashed by Derbyshire’s fast bowler Dave Gregory. Lancashire hit an all time low with an innings of 25 runs, whilst Derbyshire, as if to rub salt in the wounds, can back with 147. Lancashire failed to supply a response to this, in the second innings, and went home to mend their pride.
Derbyshire had a tough time of it for the first few decades culminating in a nightmare season in 1920 when they failed to win a single game all season. However, things turned in the teams favour when in 1936 they won the County Championship and in 1981 and won the Benson and Hedges Cup for one day cricket. Not withstand this modest performance over the years, the team have had some prize hitters; Worthington, Townsend, Smith and Alderman all made over 1000 runs and not to be outdone the teams bowlers Copson and Mitchell took over 100 wickets each.
Today, with a dogged determination, the Derbyshire team continues to drive towards a point when they can grab a trophy and hold it high. In previous years the ground has played host to other sporting events. In 1886 it staged the first F A Cup Final outside London.
The Team is a great supporter of community events and has worked towards providing opportunities for children to benefit from the ‘Chance To Shine’ Programme. Through the Cricket Foundation it is helping to bring cricket back to every school in the land as a competitive sport.
The team is still in its original location “The County Ground” (Nottingham Road, Derby) which now boasts a new 1800 seater stand and a permanent Marquee for wedding & corporate events.
As with many sporting venues the ability to offer accommodation to outside third parties brings in additional income to support both the team and the ground itself. With hotels and the Peak District on the doorstep it really is the perfect location for any special event.