Ryan Duckett
Ryan talked generally about his career at DCCC which had started in 2013 when he was appointed as the Club’s Commercial Director. He was appointed Chief Executive in January 2019 after his predecessor moved to Kent CCC.
Over the years there had been many changes to the role of Chief Executive, as well as managing during the COVID shutdowns. Most of these changes arose from the different schedules that arose after COVID and there was even more emphasis on gaining additional income from non cricketing sources. The introduction of Concerts to the Incora County Ground caused concern amongst some of the members who thought that a cricket arena should be for playing cricket only. It was not too long before the doubters realised that this was a very significant and new stream of income which was been replicated by other counties.
Ryan went on to describe the decision making processes within DCCCC and how his role fitted into this structure. He also talked about his role in the direction of the Trent Rockets, co-owned with Nottinghamshire CCC and Leicestershire CCC and the financial benefits to Derbyshire CCC.
Ryan expressed his pleasure in bringing games to the Queen’s Park and hoped that this would continue for the foreseeable future as all the players really enjoyed playing here.
Ryan’s honesty, integrity and professionalism came across during the evening.
Cricket in Derbyshire is lucky to have him at the helm – he definitely added many more people towards that view during the evening.
Wayne Madsen
Is there a better ambassador for cricket generally, or Derbyshire CCC specifically than Wayne Madsen? Those few who may have not given the matter much thought but attended this meeting would have gone away extolling the virtues of this consummate professional. Dressed immaculately in regulation DCCC jacket and tie Wayne gave an insight into his life in sport and his days at Derbyshire.
He talked about his life growing up in South Africa within a family with sporting pedigree. His two major sports were cricket and hockey – he went on to play hockey for South Africa in both the Commonwealth games and the World Cup. Cricket eventually became his number one priority and he made his first class cricket debut for KwaZulu Natal in 2003.
When he first came across to this country he spent time playing in the Lancashire Leagues and was eventually asked to join Derbyshire CCC. His first match was at Cheltenham, against Gloucestershire in 2009. He opened the innings with Chris Rogers and after a disappointing seven runs in the first innings he exploded on the scene with a terrific 170 not out in the second innings.
Amongst other matters discussed were his captaincy and how proud he was that Derbyshire were promoted in his first year in that job. In that year he also scored a career best 231 not out. He went through the many highlights that have followed since then – they keep on coming as last season was one of his best when he scored 1273 first class runs at an average of 60.61.
Wayne talked about his love of playing at the Queen’s Park where he has a very impressive record of 1033 first class runs at 57.38 including four centuries. He talked about the friendliness of the crowds at QP and the beautiful ground which adds to the experience. In one of the best quotes about QP he said’ the trees around the ground seem to hold the atmosphere in’.
A truly great servant to Derbyshire CCC – full of principles and values – what a player as well.
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