Three year old Josh captures media attention
by Alan Rowley, 4th April 2004

He may be only three years old, but young Joshua Lacey knows how to handle the media. The son of Chesterfield skipper and former Derbyshire all-rounder Simon, Joshua is already promising to follow in his father's footsteps.

Joshua first caught the attentions of the media when Sting In The Tail covered his christening back in April 2001. His godfathers are Andrew Brown, ex-Derbyshire assistant coach and Simon's colleague at Chesterfield, and Rob Wood, whose company Beechdale Saab are sponsors of the Derbyshire Premier League. Also present at the christening were Steve Stubbings, Trevor Smith, Kevin Dean, Ben Spendlove and Chris Marples.

With such an impressive sporting line-up, it's little surprise that young Joshua was to take to sport in a big way. As well as cricket, Joshua also likes football, rugby and his favourite sport, golf. Langley Mill skipper Richard Davey was so taken with Josh's skills that he has backed him to the tune of £100 at 100-1 with bookmakers Ladbrokes to represent England by the age of 25. Although those odds sound a little stingy, with Josh's pedigree, anything is possible.

Josh at his christening with (left to right) Andy Brown, Simon Lacey, Steve Stubbings
and Chris Marples left holding the baby.

Joshua demonstrates his bowling skills for the camera, watched by father Simon

The Derby Evening Telegraph and the BBC have also taken an interest in the lad's ability. In an impressive full page article in the Telegraph, reporter Karen Holt told us that Joshua can bowl a perfect overarm delivery and can hit a ball 20 yards. They predict he will be playing for an under-11 side by the time he is five.

Simon told the Telegraph: "He bowls perfectly and does it left-handed. For a three year old to be able to run up and bowl, and bowl it straight, is a bit out of the ordinary." Mother Keleigh said: "I'm very proud of him. He just watches and picks it up. It's just second nature to him." Davey told the Telegraph: "We have children who are aged twelve who don't have his co-ordination. He is an absolute natural cricketer."

The BBC also picked up on Joshua's natural talent when they turned up at the County Ground to interview the Laceys and film Josh in action. East Midlands Today reporter Rob Glass interviewed Joshua and Simon along with family friend Derbyshire batsman Steve Stubbings. Glass then had a go at facing the young spinner, but wished he hadn't when Joshua bowled him first ball with a perfect Chinaman.

As the Derbyshire squad were warming up in the background, Stubbings said that it's only a matter of time before Joshua takes his place in the County side. Joshua told 'the follow on' that he wants to play for the Millers when he's old enough.

Could we see him beat the record for the youngest player ever in Derbyshire League cricket? Time will tell ...