Cricket in Derbyshire: A guide to coaches, nets, grounds & players
Cricket has a rich and storied presence in Derbyshire, with its origins tracing back to the 18th century. The earliest recorded match in the county occurred in September 1757 between Wirksworth and Sheffield at Brampton Moor, near Chesterfield.
The formal establishment of Derbyshire County Cricket Club (DCCC) took place on November 4, 1870, at a meeting in the Guildhall, Derby. The inaugural president was the Earl of Chesterfield, with Walter Boden serving as the secretary after campaigning for the club's formation for three years.
DCCC played its first official match in 1871 against Lancashire at Old Trafford, marking the beginning of its journey in first-class cricket. Despite facing challenges in the early years, including a temporary loss of first-class status in 1888, the club persevered and regained its status in 1894. A pinnacle achievement came in 1936 when Derbyshire clinched the County Championship title under the captaincy of Arthur Richardson.
Throughout its history, Derbyshire has been home to numerous notable cricketers and has played a significant role in promoting and developing the sport within the county.
Cricket Coaching in Derbyshire
Derbyshire offers a variety of cricket coaching opportunities catering to players of all ages and skill levels. Here are some notable coaching providers:
- Derbyshire Cricket Foundation (DCF): As the official cricket development arm of DCCC, DCF provides year-round one-on-one coaching sessions focusing on specific aspects of the game, including batting, bowling, and wicket-keeping. Sessions are 40 minutes long and are available at various venues across the county.
- Cricket Derbyshire Academy: Operating under DCCC, the academy offers a comprehensive winter program with bi-weekly two-hour coaching sessions. The focus is on individual and small group work, covering both red and white ball cricket. The program includes a pre-season tour to Desert Springs in Spain, providing players with valuable match experience.
- Cricket Academy Derby: Managed by Cricket Masters, this academy provides coaching programs designed by international players, including Usman Afzaal and Ryan Sidebottom. Open to boys and girls aged 7 to 18, the academy focuses on batting, bowling, and overall game development.
- JKCricket: Led by Level 3 coach Joe Kinsey, JKCricket offers bespoke coaching tailored to individual needs. Services include one-on-one sessions, group coaching, and specialised clinics aimed at enhancing specific skills.
Cricket Nets in Derbyshire
For practice and training, Derbyshire boasts several quality cricket net facilities:
- Willows Sports Centre, Derby: This indoor facility provides year-round cricket net hire, allowing players to train regardless of weather conditions. The centre caters to individuals and teams, offering flexible booking options.
- S20 The Boundary: Situated near the Derbyshire border, S20 The Boundary was established in 2021 to address the lack of indoor cricket training facilities in the region. It offers a first-class training environment accessible to players of all levels throughout the year.
- Nitticar Cricket Centre: This facility provides high-quality indoor cricket nets and training facilities, making it a great option for players looking to improve their skills year-round. More details can be found at Nitticar Cricket Centre.
Top 5 Cricket Grounds in Derbyshire
Derbyshire is home to several historic and picturesque cricket grounds:
- The Incora County Ground, Derby: As the headquarters of DCCC, this ground has hosted numerous first-class and international matches, serving as the epicenter of cricket in the county.
- Queen’s Park, Chesterfield: Known for its scenic beauty, Queen’s Park has a rich history of hosting county matches and is celebrated for its vibrant cricketing atmosphere.
- Denby Cricket Club Ground: This well-maintained ground is a hub for local cricket, offering excellent facilities for both players and spectators.
- Ockbrook & Borrowash Cricket Club Ground: Established in 1850, this ground has a long-standing tradition of cricket and provides top-notch amenities for hosting league matches.
- Sandiacre Town Cricket Club Ground: With a history dating back to 1877, this ground has been the venue for numerous significant matches and is integral to the local cricket community.
Top 3 Cricketers from Derbyshire
Derbyshire has produced and been home to several distinguished cricketers:
- Bob Taylor: Renowned as one of England's finest wicketkeepers, Bob Taylor played for Derbyshire from 1961 to 1984 and earned 57 Test caps for England. His exceptional skills behind the stumps set high standards in wicketkeeping.
- Dominic Cork: An all-rounder celebrated for his impactful performances, Cork played for Derbyshire between 1990 and 2003. He is best remembered for his match-winning hat-trick against the West Indies in 1995 while playing for England.
- Michael Holding: The legendary West Indian fast bowler, known as "Whispering Death," played for Derbyshire from 1983 to 1989. His sheer pace and formidable presence made a lasting impression in county cricket.
Derbyshire's cricketing heritage is rich and continues to thrive through its robust coaching programs, excellent training facilities, and commitment to developing players at all levels.
