MATT Cocken has returned as captain to steer The Road to victory in 2013.

The burly northerner replaces last year’s skip James Couldrey after winning by a whisker in the club’s captain election.

The votes were tied for the first time in club history when members went to the polls last month.

But in the second round of voting Matt triumphed by the narrow margin of 10 to eight.

It means all-rounder Matt will take the reins for a second time after he led The Road in 2010.

Matt also become only the second player took secure a second term, after Raju Mazumder who captained two consecutive years in 2008 and 2009.

Matt has promised to focus on being inclusive and involving all members of the team in games.

In his manifesto, Matt said: “Everyone enjoys winning, and I want to keep the club’s recent form going and ensure we continue to win! But I don’t think this has to be at the
expense of our club’s inclusive approach, or having a laugh. I’d like to see everyone in the team scoring crucial runs, or taking that key wicket.

“If there’s a way of doing so that also makes us laugh then all the better! We’re always going to have games where we’re really striving for a win.

“But then there will be other games where we can mix things up a bit. That’s what I’d like to do. So, if someone who isn’t a regular bowler
fancies turning their arm over – let me know.

“If someone fancies a bat higher up the order then when we have the opportunity – let’s give it a try. I’d also try to get more people involved in tactical decisions –
something that hasn’t happened too much in the past.”