The cricket season at the County Ground might be reaching an exciting finale, but the anticipation for the club's renowned Christmas Parties is just hotting up as the club prepares to celebrate another Christmas festive season in the County Ground Marquee.
With over 1,500 people celebrating Christmas with us last year, Christmas Parties at Derbyshire has already proven to be extremely popular - although don’t take our word for it; take a look at some of our feedback from last year’s parties:
'The event held in December was fabulous. The food was excellent, the seating was roomy and people were not crammed in and the evening was well planned. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and we would definitely look at booking another event with yourselves. Well done!' - Sharon Horvath-Szovati (Derby City PCT)
Adult entry is buy one get one free throughout the match, including provision for members to bring a guest for free. Entry for under 16’s is free of charge throughout.
Derbyshire have won the toss and will field first against Essex in the LV=County Championship at the County Ground.
Derbyshire: Madsen (c), Borrington, Khawaja, Durston, Redfern, Whiteley, Wainwright, Poynton (wk), Palladino, Groenewald, Turner.
Read more: LVCC: Derbyshire v Essex Live Scorecard and Preview
The Derbyshire Falcons’ final Clydesdale Bank 40 match of the season against the Northamptonshire Steelbacks fell to the weather with only one innings possible at the County Ground; with both sides collecting a point.
After a 15 minute delay, the match got away under heavy skies at 2pm and Northants were able to complete their full allocation of 40 overs, reaching 232-8 before the rain set in at the interval.
A young Derbyshire side, led for the first time by Wes Durston, bowled admirably throughout and the visitors were indebted to opener Kyle Coetzer (68), David Sales (58) and Rob Newton (31) as well as an unbeaten 27 from just 21 balls from Con de Lange as Northants reached 232-8.
By Jake Needham
The Derbyshire second XI finished their Championship season off with an emphatic victory against the MCC universities XI.
The game began with the Derbyshire captain Paul Borrington (pictured) winning the toss and deciding to bat first on a Fenners wicket that looked full of runs.
However from the second ball of the match Ben Slater got a ball that left him off the seam and he was gleefully pouched at first slip.
Match Drawn - Northants 9 points, Derbyshire 9 points.
Read more: Northants draw strengthens Derbyshire's position at summit
Derbyshire lead by 112 runs with 2 first innings wickets remaining.
Read more: Brilliant Madsen and Poynton add unbeaten 259 on a sensational day for Derbyshire
Derbyshire take a break from their LV=County Championship promotion challenge on Bank Holiday Monday, with the visit of the Northants Steelbacks in the Clydesdale Bank 40 competition; 1:45pm start.
With Bank Holiday Monday matches always great occasions, a carnival atmosphere is anticipated, with additional attractions including mascot Freddie the Falcon, a bouncy castle complete with an 18 foot Mega slide, plus various FREE treats such as Falcons flags and 4/6 cards.
The match constitutes the final limited overs match of the season at the County Ground, and spectators can get involved at great value in numerous ways.
Read more: Great value ways to join us this Bank Holiday Monday for CB40 finale
As Derbyshire continue their promotion challenge, preparations are well underway for the annual Derbyshire County Cricket Club Player of the Year Awards Evening.
The evening takes place in the grandeur of the County Ground Marquee and is unquestionably the most prestigious event put on every year by the club.
A black tie event, the evening incorporates Academy, 2nd XI and 1st XI awards, culminating in the overall Player of the Year Award at the end of the presentation ceremony.
Read more: Derbyshire Player of the Year Awards Evening - don't miss out
Juniors go free and adults 2 for 1 as Derbyshire aim to boost local support in pivotal week for the team.
Derbyshire County Cricket Club is preparing for a Bank Holiday Clydesdale Bank 40 finale and a potentially decisive LV=County Championship encounter in the race for promotion – all in the space of five consecutive days starting on Monday.
Northamptonshire Steelbacks are the visitors on Monday (1.45pm start) followed by a pivotal four day encounter versus Essex starting on Tuesday at 11am and there are special ticket offers available for all.
Under 16’s can attend all five days for free while adult entry is two for the price of one throughout the week with members, advanced purchasers and on the gate buyers all able to bring a guest free of charge.
A carnival atmosphere is anticipated at the Bank Holiday fixture with additional attractions including mascot Freddie the Falcon, a bouncy castle complete with an 18 foot Mega slide, plus various FREE treats such as Falcons flags and 4/6 cards. There will also be entertainment at the interval and the Falcons’ players will happily sign autographs upon the conclusion of the match.
The drama of the LV=County Championship top of the table clash versus Hampshire starts a day later as Derbyshire prepare for arguably their most important four day match since the county’s title challenge back in 1996.
With Karl Krikken’s men currently occupying top spot in the Division Two table, the result of the home contest against Essex may prove decisive in the county’s quest for promotion; with just two rounds of fixtures remaining following its conclusion.
Another compelling encounter is likely following recent high drama cliffhangers versus Kent and Yorkshire respectively.
Head Coach Karl Krikken said “The lads are certainly looking forward to the prospect of five gripping days of cricket at the County Ground.
“There is so much at stake and after working so hard all season and with the end in sight I’m sure it’s going to be exciting from the first ball to the last.
“It’s not very often you get five consecutive days of home cricket that offers such variety, drama and importance so hopefully we can count on as much support from the Derbyshire faithful as possible.”
For tickets, contact the Ticket Office on 01132 388 118 or buy online at derbyshireccc.com.
© 2013 Derbyshire County Cricket Club
The County Ground, Grandstand Road, Derby DE21 6AF. Tel: 01332 388 101
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