Denby enter the new season as League Champions, having clinched the title in the last match of the season. Their success was the reward for playing attacking cricket all season. They were never afraid to bat first if they won the toss and thereby take advantage of the extra points awarded for a win to the team batting first. Stuart Poplar remains as their captain and is expected to continue this aggressive policy.

Last season they had the services of a very successful Aussie, Shannon Waters, but he is not returning and they are not likely to engage an overseas player. They have received a boost with the decision of their very talented spinner, Ian Parkin, to sign a two-year contract, and with the signing of Michael Deane from Stainsby.

This is a club with an exceptional youth programme and some of the youngsters are beginning to challenge for places at the top. One of these, Ben Perry-Taylor, should secure a place in the first team this season. He has been earmarked as a 'diamond' player by Derbyshire. The club are due to start work on the field next door, a huge task which will provide a ground for their third and fourth teams in two years time.

Ockbrook & Borrowash were narrowly beaten for the title last season and will, no doubt, be one of the favourites this season. The have Dave Hallack as captain and James Cockayne as vice-captain and much the same squad as last year, with the addition of two new players, James Guthrie from Swarkestone and their star signing, ex-Derbyshire player Trevor Smith who was formerly with Sandiacre. Paul Aldred and Lian Wharton are registered but their appearnces will be limited by County calls.

Last season they lost their brilliant leg spinner, Matthew Moss, who cruelly lost a leg in a road accident, and they haven't found a replacement as capable as he was in breaking a stubborn partnership. They have a good youth policy and hopefully another leg spinner will appear.

The facilities continue to improve and the adjacent field, which they acquired and developed last year, will be available for play in June. However, the planned extension of the Pavilion has been delayed because of their failure to obtain a lottery grant.

Quarndon have lost their high scoring ex-professional Phil Robinson but they have been active in strengthening the squad. They will be captained again by Mark Tournier who is a current member of the British Universities team, and he will be joined by a fellow member of that side, Steve Selwood, who is now contracted to Derbyshire.

They have retained the registration of Derbyshire player Nathan Dumelow, and have signed a strong Aussie overseas player, Jack Smith from Canberra. Smith is a batsman primarily with good records against the English Academy and New Zealand. They are hoping that some of their youngsters will break through into the senior squad as did Kevin Hollis last season. He took over the wicket-keeping role and did well as a top order batsman.

They have signed another promising youngster, Rob Green, formerly with his father Alan at Ockbrook. He is a seam bowler who has performed well with the Derbyshire Under 19's. Footballer Nick Goodwin will be regularly available now that he has ended his contract at Burton Albion.

The club have an ambitious development programme and have submitted a grant request for £50,000. Things don't stand still at Quarndon.

Dunstall, Sandiacre Town, Alvaston and Boulton
Chesterfield, Ilkeston Rutland, Langley Mill
Wirksworth, Sawley and Long Eaton Park, Clifton

GWYN JONES - press officer

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