Get off the mark this week with quick-fire stories to keep you up to date with the latest news from Derbyshire.
Christmas is now just two weeks away and with New Year also around the corner, attention can soon turn to the new cricket season.
Luis Reece Charity Challenges
All-rounder Luis Reece has begun a year-long fundraising goal to complete 12 challenges – one a month – as voted for by the public with proceeds split between three charities.
Grouped as ‘Luis’ Charity Challenges’, the 28-year-old will be raising money for the Professional Cricketers’ Trust, Mind and Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
He said: “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while now and I’m really excited to finally get it all started. The three charities mean a lot to me personally and I really want to give something back to charities that have helped me.”
Register for sell-out local Vitality Blast derbies
Derbyshire Falcons’ first two home Vitality Blast matches next summer come in the form of big local derbies against Yorkshire Vikings at Queen’s Park on Saturday 20 July and Notts Outlaws at The County Ground on Friday 26 July.
The curtain-closer at the Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council sold out in advance for the past two seasons and another record crowd is expected in 2019.
Similarly, the East Midlands derby under the lights on a Friday evening is expected to reach capacity. Supporters can register their interest now for the opportunity to secure tickets before anyone else during our pre-sale window.
Click HERE to register for tickets for Yorkshire Vikings.
Click HERE to register for tickets for Notts Outlaws.
Australia match to be first-class fixture
The Aston Lark Tourist Fixture against Australia at The County Ground next summer will be a first-class fixture, with the visitors expected to field a strong side from their touring Ashes squad.
Captain Tim Paine and his Australia Test squad will arrive in Derby during the middle of the Ashes series for the three-day match, starting on Thursday 29 August.
It will be the first time a touring Australia side has visited the county since 2015 and with first-class records on the line, the tourists are expected to field a Test-level international side including the likes of Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Houghton excited by ambitious van Beek
Head of Cricket Dave Houghton believes Logan van Beek’s desire to break into the New Zealand national team is what makes him the right fit for Derbyshire next summer.
The all-rounder, whose performances for Canterbury have earned him a number of New Zealand A call-ups, is hoping to impress in the county game and force his way towards full international honours.
Houghton, who consulted John Wright before approaching van Beek, is encouraged by the 28-year-old’s mentality and hopes to see him prove his point to New Zealand whilst in a Derbyshire shirt across all forms.
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.
