CAPTAINCY candidates Matt Cocken and Giles Fagan have revealed why they think they should take the reins in 2011.

The two club stalwarts penned mini manifestos to give members an idea what they’re voting for in this year’s big election.

Current skip Matt promised to “get us hitting harder, bowling faster and even running towards the ball when we field”.

Challenger Giles issued an election battle cry and said he’d lead the team to more wins.

In Gilo’s pitch, he said: “With 30 years experience at playing cricket … (yes, I know … looking at me it’s hard to believe!), I want to steer our glorious team, not only in playing good, enjoyable cricket, but to long awaited victory!

“Getting the balance right between giving everyone a game and winning is very difficult. But we can do it!

“The KRCSC has a fantastic membership; we have diversity and equality, which come together, in perfect harmony, under the banner of the KRCSC.

“We play because we love the game and enjoy the banter. We all want to play to the best of our ability and are keen to improve our skills with every game.

“And this is what we are going to do this year! We are going to score more runs, take more wickets, stop more boundaries and catch more catches… and win more matches!

“We will rejoice, not only in our own successes, but in those of our team mates as well. We are a team where everyone plays a part – whether it is scoring runs, taking wickets or giving encouragement on the field of play.

“If chosen, I hope you will find me an approachable and considerate captain. We have a lot of talent in this team, some of it hidden.

“If I’m the skip this year, not only will I have some gob-smackingly groovy on-field tactics and field placings but everyone who wants to get experience at bowling in a match, will do so… where and when the game allows.

“There is no better way of learning than experience. If people reckon they should be batting higher up the order, it will be considered. Good batting will be rewarded – not only for that person but for the good of the team.

“That doesn’t make the team a free for all, though. The captain’s decision will be the final one and needs to be supported by the rest of the team. Sometimes we will mix it up a bit, as well.

“But above all, we are a team who believes in having fun and giving people a game, with a strong aim to do our best and win! And that’s what we’re going to do. So come on, my braves, stiffen the sinews, conjure up the blood…

“FOLLOW YOUR SPIRIT! LET SLIP THE DOGS OF WAR AND CRY HAVOC “FOR BATTERSEA, FOR KRCSC, FOR CAPTAIN ……….. VOTE FOR FAGANAVICH!”

In Matt’s pitch, the burly Northerner said: “Here we are on the brink of another season with The Road, and the time has come to elect our captain for the year. So why should that captain be me?

“Let me start by saying that I believe the other candidate for the position would make an excellent captain. And I hope that one day he will do just
that.

“However, for this year, I feel like I’ve got a lot more left to give, some ghosts to put to rest and we’ve all got unfinished business with the record books. 2010 was a great year for us, but I know the results hurt.

“This year is the year that we can turn it around – and believe me – I’ve got the drive and determination to get us there. I know that I can build on the captaining experiences of the last year to get the most out of us all.

“To get us hitting harder, bowling faster and even running towards the ball when we field! As All Out Cricket’s national Tea Lady of the Year I’ve been raising The Road’s profile across the country, as well as spending the winter working on new tactics (and recipes) to get the Badgers shi**ing their pants.

“With the preparation that’s going on I’ll stick my neck out and personally guarantee that next season our results will improve!

“So if you decide that you want me as captain for 2011 – I guarantee that you’ll never see less than 100 per cent commitment to the team from me, and no matter what the results, I’ll do everything I can to ensure that in 2011 the team spirit of The Road carries on, and this year is as good a laugh as the last one!”

Members eligible should have received e-mails from returning officer Raju Mazumder with instructions on how to vote.

The winner will be announced at the club AGM on February 12.