MATLOCK have added three players and are closing in on an Australian fast bowler as they gear up for their first season in the Derbyshire Premier League.

The Peak District club came from mid-table to snatch the second promotion place in County League Division One last season – taking themselves by surprise, according to captain Steve Pell.

And that is one of the reasons that they will not have the services of their outstanding South African quick bowler, Christoffel Visser, for a second season.

"Chris wanted to come back and we'd have loved to have had him," said Pell.

"But he doesn't have the level two coaching badge he needs for the Premier League.

"He's been trying to get it in South Africa but time has run out.

"If we had looked at all like going up in June, we'd have put the wheels in motion sooner – but promotion crept up on us."

Visser has instead joined Marehay for the coming Division One season, while Matlock have agreed a deal with 26-year-old Victorian Premier League quickie Mark Doyle, who opens the bowling in Australia with Tim Hoare, who had a successful two seasons with Staveley Welfare in 2003 and 2004.

Matlock are waiting only on visa clearance for Doyle but would appear to have sent their application in good time.

Returning to Matlock is opening batsman Kevin Leatherday, who also brings former Staveley Welfare all-rounder Peter Camm with him from Chesterfield.

The other new arrival is Matt Cluer, a batsman who averaged 41 for Cutthorpe in Division Two last season.

"If we could add a spinner to those, we'd be comfortable with what we've got and we're still on the lookout for one," added Pell.