Derbyshire Falcons’ NatWest T20 Blast fixture versus Yorkshire Vikings has been moved to The 3aaa County Ground, Derby, to give the game the best chance of going ahead.
Due to a saturated outfield at Queen’s Park, no play was possible on any of the first four days of the Custom Solar Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council.
Following an exceptionally wet June, the pitch has been drying out more slowly than expected, despite the last four days of sunshine. As a result, the Club has made the decision today to move the fixture to Derby on Sunday and remains a 2.30pm start.
Chief Executive, Simon Storey said: “Chesterfield is a special venue and everyone puts a huge amount of time, planning and preparation into delivering a successful festival each year.
“Unfortunately, following the recent bad weather over the last few weeks, the outfield has taken on a huge amount of water and is still saturated despite the recent sunshine. In the interest of player safety, no play has been possible.
“With the current conditions, we have determined that we should move this Sunday’s fixture to Derby to give the game the best possible chance of going ahead.
“It’s clearly very disappointing that the weather has beaten us this year but we remain committed to bringing county cricket to Queen’s Park.
“The Festival is so much more than just cricket and helps put Chesterfield on the map. Since county cricket returned to Chesterfield in 2006, we have been able to build strong partnerships with Chesterfield Cricket Club and Chesterfield Borough Council.
“We also work closely with local schools and businesses such as local renewable energy specialists, Custom Solar, to provide a unique annual Festival.
“We look forward to returning next summer as part of our on-going partnership.
“In the meantime, we’re sure that the derby with Yorkshire Vikings at The 3aaa County Ground will be another great occasion.
“Whilst we understand the switch will cause some inconvenience to supporters, we need to make sure we do everything to ensure the game can go ahead.”
Councillor Amanda Serjeant, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centre and visitor economy, said: “Our ground staff have worked tirelessly all week to try and deal with the waterlogged ground but, due to the nature of the site and the amount of rain that has fallen in recent weeks, the games have unfortunately not been able to go ahead as planned.
“While it is very disappointing for us and the businesses of the town that benefit from the extra trade the cricket festival creates we all look forward to the return of the festival next year.
“We are pleased that despite the games not going ahead more than 400 school children were still able to meet and be inspired by the players as part of the partnership between the cricket club and the council to promote health and well-being among young people.”
The match is an all ticket match. Tickets already purchased for the fixture will be accepted on the gate on Sunday at The 3aaa County Ground, which open at 12.30pm.
Members and Six Pack Ticket holders wishing to attend this Sunday are also reminded that they must claim a ticket, free of charge, in advance of the day of the game from the ticket office.
In addition to the usual rain check policy, a refund policy is in place for those unable to travel to Derby. With this being an all ticket match, the Club must be advised over the phone, 01332 388 101, or by email, [email protected], by 5pm on Friday 8 July.
Tickets will need to be returned unused by post before a refund is processed. The refund can be claimed in writing to the ticket office enclosing your ticket(s) along with your name and address.
Supporters can save 20% by purchasing their NatWest T20 Blast matchday tickets in advance of the day of the game. Buy online, over the phone by calling 01332 388 101 or in person at The 3aaa County Ground.
Yorkshire Vikings – Sun 10 July – BUY
Lancashire Lightning – Wed 13 July – BUY
Worcestershire Rapids – Fri 22 July – BUY
