MOVING closer to his North Wales home has been cited as the main reason captain David Lloyd has made the decision to depart Glamorgan at the end of the 2023 season.

Lloyd, who began his cricketing career with Brymbo, has made the decision to join Derbyshire.

The skipper told the club’s website: “Glamorgan has been my life for so long and I’ve made friendships that will last forever.

“It has been a difficult decision to decide to leave but the opportunity to relocate and play closer to home in North Wales is what’s best for my young family moving forward.

“I’m very grateful to have represented Glamorgan and honoured to have captained this group.

“I owe a lot to Matthew Maynard, who’s been a great leader and friend to me, and to so many others who’ve helped me during my time at the club.

“I would also like to thank Mark Wallace and the rest of the Glamorgan staff, players, and supporters for all their support over the years.

“I look forward to finishing the season on a high and striving for promotion into the first division.

“I will miss everybody at the club who I have made connections with from players and coaches, to stewards and other members of staff that have always made myself and my family feel welcome.”

All-rounder Lloyd has played over 200 games for Glamorgan across all three formats. For the last two years, Lloyd has been a popular club captain at Sophia Gardens.

After appearing in the second team at the age of 16 in 2008 he made his first team debut in 2012 and was awarded his county cap in 2019.

After a stint as Glamorgan vice-captain, Lloyd was appointed to the captaincy in 2022, becoming the first North Walian to captain the club since Wilf Wooller.

Lloyd scored a triple-century at Sophia Gardens last year against Derbyshire, striking the highest score by a Glamorgan captain - and Welshman - in the process.

Glamorgan director of cricket Mark Wallace said: “David has been an excellent leader and role model during his time at the club and has always exemplified what it means to wear the Glamorgan cap.

“We will miss having David at the club both on and off the field but we fully respect and understand his decision to move closer to home for the benefit of his family.

“On behalf of everyone at Glamorgan, I would like to thank David for his exemplary service to the club as both player and captain and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours.”

n Lancashire Lightning will face Surrey in the Vitality Blast quarter-finals at Old Trafford tonight.

Lancashire earned a home draw by finishing second in the North group, while Surrey qualified third in the South group.

Notts Outlaws go to Somerset and Hampshire Hawks host Worcestershire Rapids.

There are three ties in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy today. Thunder host Southern Vipers, Northern Diamonds head to The Blaze and South East Stars welcome Central Sparks.