Dunstall centre of close season speculation again
by Alan Rowley, 17th October 2001

The Derbyshire Premier League could be seeing yet another world class Test player next season as Dunstall are rumoured to be chasing South African fast bowler Allan Donald.

Dunstall are at the centre of close season speculation again this winter. Following last year's Curtly Ambrose rumours, Dunstall are now said to be persuing South African and Warwickshire Test star Allan Donald .

Rumours were rife last year that the Staffordshire club were chasing the services of the recently retired West Indian. These rumours proved to be fruitless, but speculation is equally strong this year concerning the South African who will be 35 on Saturday 20th October.

Donald has taken 1172 first class wicket at an average of 22.43 and 325 Test wickets at 21.64. If he find his way to the leafy lanes of Barton-under-Needwood, he will follow in the footsteps of former Test stars Phil Simmons , Derek Randall and Derbyshire's Tim Munton , all who turned out for Dunstall in 2001. Dunstall will have to gamble on the fitness of the South African who recently pulled out of their tour of Zimbabwe following a particularly severe bout of flu.

Dunstall skipper Warren Rumsey told Sting In The Tail that "no agreement has been made with any professionals for the 2002 season." However, Rumsey went on to say that "several ex Test players have been approached" .

As soon as we hear any more, we will let you know.

Other player movement rumours reaching Sting In The Tail this week are:

Ben Spendlove is to sign for Wirksworth Cricket Club who are also hoping to sign Micheal Deane from Stainsby Hall and Billy Bagshawe from Quarndon. Deane is also said to be high on Denby's wanted list.

Speculation is growing that Scott Phillips , Morton Colliery's 2001 overseas, is returning to England next season to join Quarndon .

Stainsby Hall, keen to regain their place in the Premier League, are looking to obtain the services of Andy Barlow from Wirksworth as well as two opening batsmen, both with first class experience.