Derbyshire sponsor deal in memory of Keith

Tom Poynton (24), and his father, Keith (57), both of Swadlincote, were travelling in a red Ferrari when it left Caldwell Road, Linton, and hit a tree in April.

Tom was taken to hospital with various injuries but his father died.

The new partnership secures future pre-season tours which will allow the Derbyshire squad to partake in warm weather training ahead of each new campaign.

The partnership will also inaugurate the Keith Poynton Spirit of Cricket Derbyshire Award to be presented each year at the Player of the Year Awards Evening.

The recent memorial service and Snazzy Socks Sunday, which took place on the opening day of home cricket this season, raised over £3,000 for a Game Ready Machine to assist in player rehabilitation.

Cricket Derbyshire Snazzy Socks will soon be stocked in the club shop with money raised going to the Cricket Derbyshire Foundation.

Chief executive Simon Storey said: “Cricket in Derbyshire was a passion for Keith and Briggs of Burton wanted to do their bit to help the local county cricket club in his memory.
“This five-year partnership secures our pre-season tours for the foreseeable future, offering our team the best possible preparation ahead of each new season. 
“The family were so proud to see the hundreds of snazzy socks on display on that first Sunday of the season. It was great to see so many supporters pay their respects in such a positive way.”

Briggs of Burton Director Gareth Cure said: “Keith was every inch a proud Derbyshire man and the whole family are staunch supporters of the club.

“We think he would be proud to see Briggs associated with the club in this way. He would have been right at the front of the queue for a pair of the new socks too.”