"Were massively aware of our commitment to supporting local ambition, which is why we decided to get involved with Derbyshire CCC and help their cause."
Wayne Hollinshead
The Falcons put on a superb display as they cruised to a seven-wicket win, restricting opponents Gloucestershire to just 135-7.
The result means Derbyshire joins Essex Eagles, Notts Outlaws and holders Worcestershire Rapids to battle it out to be crowned T20 champions at Edgbaston on Saturday September 21.
Derbyshire’s playing ambitions received a boost at the start of the year after Pattonair, the Derby-based global supply chain service provider, agreed to support the club in a four-year naming rights deal.
Commenting on the weekend’s victory, Derbyshire chief executive Ryan Duckett said: “To reach Finals Day is a momentous moment for the club and a mark of how far we’ve come in recent seasons.
“The players must take great credit as they’ve shown the fight and determination associated with Derbyshire to make it to a first semi-final in the competition.
“The support of our sponsors and Pattonair as Principal Partner is vital in the work we do year-round and enables us to continue investing in cricket with the aim of bringing success on the field for supporters.
“We go to Edgbaston as outsiders but we’ve already proven we can beat any team on our day and it promises to be a great day for players, supporters and sponsors.”
Pattonair CEO Wayne Hollinshead said he was thrilled to see Derbyshire come out on top.
“We cannot congratulate the team enough on their huge victory at the weekend,” he said.
“As a business, we’ve been lucky enough to expand our operations worldwide, but we’re massively aware of our commitment to supporting local ambition, which is why we decided to get involved with Derbyshire CCC and help their cause.
“We’ll be watching closely as they head to the finals later this month, wishing them the very best of luck in becoming champions for the first time ever!”
Derbyshire put on a fantastic performance in their quarter-final win, with the Falcons’ Wayne Madsen and Leus du Plooy adding 72 off 63 balls at the Bristol County Ground.
Opponents Gloucestershire had made a fast start, reaching 48-1 in the first six overs. However, the tide quickly turned following a brilliant display of bowling and fielding by the Falcons, with Du Plooy eventually able to guide Derbyshire home with 17 balls to spare.
Pattonair undertakes a number of community initiatives in Derbyshire and holds the naming rights over the Pattonair County Ground, off Nottingham Road.
Over the next four years, alongside its investment in the ground’s facilities, it hopes to work with universities across the region, to create pathways in learning and innovation across sport and beyond.
For more information on Pattonair, the world-leading aerospace and defence supply chain service provider, visit www.pattonair.com.
Further information on Derbyshire CCC can be found at http://cricket.derbyshireccc.com/.
