In our new feature, in which we hear from Members about their experiences watching Derbyshire cricket, we speak to Huw Lloyd and his daughter Evie, one of the Club’s youngest Members.
This is Derbyshire Member Stories.
Huw has been a Derbyshire Member since moving to Derby in 2010 and he attends game with Evie, along with younger daughter Hazel.
“I started watching Derbyshire purely because they were the first county I ever came to see in the early 1990s,” said Huw.
“I then moved to Derby in around 2010 and it became easier to come and watch here. I’ve always been a massive cricket fan and having watched cricket all around the country, here is a really nice atmosphere and you’re made to feel welcome.
“It’s got a family feel and the players will say hello, they’re on first name terms and to the point where for Evie’s sixth birthday, Ben Cotton gave her a shirt with her name on.”
“I come down with my Dad and like coming here,” said eight-year-old Evie. “He comes a lot and he brings me and my sister too.”
Now playing cricket at Darley Abbey, Evie was first introduced to cricket at The County Ground and is currently one of the Club’s youngest supporters.
“I think she enjoys being around cricket and she likes the maths of it – she always fills in a scorecard,” added Huw. “What Evie enjoys is sitting as close to the players as she can and speaking to them.”
“I always sit in the same place,” said Evie.
Huw admits he’d like to see more red ball success for Derbyshire, having watched the 2012 Division Two winning moment, with Evie less than two at the time.
“Very rarely do I get the chance to come and watch for a full day because of the children, but to come down 10 or 15 times and a Membership has paid for itself.
“Four day cricket is my favourite – you could say I’m a purist in that sense. I want to see us winning the County Championship.
“I love all forms of the game, but I think that is the pinnacle. I’ve got one or two friends who are Surrey fans and they’ve been sat very happy this year and I’d love to be able to say we’ve won the Championship in my lifetime.
“Evie was actually here when we won Division Two in 2012. She was asleep in her buggy and I was walking her around feeling every run and wicket – it was a great moment.”
To feature in Derbyshire Member Stories, please email Tom Skinner at [email protected]
New benefits for 2019. Club Membership for 2019 is on sale now, giving you more from your Membership. Buy before our 1st February Early Bird deadline and save £20.
