Big Dev cuts the ribbon on new Duffield nets
by Alan Rowley, 7th May 2004

Former England Test star, and current Dunstall player, Devon Malcolm has opened the new nets at Duffield Cricket Club's ground at Eyes Meadow. The opening ceremony, which took place on May 7th, was conducted by Malcolm, accompanied by the chairman of the parish council, John Rowlands, Vic Brownett, representing Lord's Taverners, and Dick Mills. chairman of the club.

Duffield chairman Dick Mills (second left) is presented with cheques by John Rowlands (left), chairman of
Duffield Parish Council and Vic Brownett (right), representing Lord's Taverners.

A crowd of around 100 club members and guests braved the heavy showers to see Big Dev cut the ribbon to officially open the nets, which were funded by grants from Awards For All, Sports Match, and local training specialists Calibrand. The nets will be used by senior players as well as the hundred or so juniors aged from 7 to 16 who are regulars at the club.

Duffield members and guests brave the rain to hear Devon Malcolm speak

In his opening speech, chairman Dick Mills thanked everyone who had helped to raise funds for the nets, especially secretary Sally Bygraves whose tireless work in organising the funding was acknowledged. Malcolm congratulated the club on their achievement and said that, when he first started with Derbyshire 20 years ago, they would have been proud of the facilities that Duffield now possess.

Malcolm went on to describe his last visit to the ground, over 15 years ago, when he played in an exhibition match. He later went on to represent England at Test level from 1989 until 1997 culminating in the unforgettable Test at the Oval in 1994. The big man taunted the South Africans with "You guys are history" before demolishing them with figures of 9 for 57. This performance is remembered by Malcolm in his personalised number plate, D9 WKT.

Devon Malcolm cuts the ribbon

Devon Malcolm poses for photographs

Malcolm was impressed with the facilities at the club and he said: "Maybe these facilities will help to create a County player, or even an England player in years to come." He signed many autographs for the youngsters who would be too young to remember his England exploits, but would have been well briefed by proud parents and grandparents.

After the ceremonies, the guests enjoyed an excellent buffet in the club pavilion, and refreshments from the bar. It was nice to see that the club now provides draught beers to accompany the bottled beers on sale at the bar.

Secretary Sally Bygraves told 'the follow on' that it took nine months to provide the funding for the nets. She went on to say: "Our next aim is to improve the pavilion to allow disabled access. This means constructing changing rooms upstairs and moving the bar downstairs. This is a long term project which I am determined to see happen." With Sally's organisation skills, an improved pavilion could some become a reality.