Devon Cricket Board - Tolley takes over as Stoke Gabriel skipper

Tolley takes over as Stoke Gabriel skipper

JACK Tolley has taken over as Stoke Gabriel captain following an internal bust-up in the wake of last Saturday’s defeat by Axminster.

Stoke are bottom of the B Division with one win to their name going into tomorrow’s basement clash with Barnstaple & Pilton.

Mark Gilmour, the former Paignton, Brixham and Torquay all-rounder, was incensed at having to play a man short against Axmister.

In the wake of the latest defeat, Gilmour said: “There are a few things to sort out behind the scenes.

“Players’ commitment to first team cricket is short.

“To arrive and only play with 10 was annoying to say the least.”

Whatever needed sorting out didn’t go the way Gilmour had hoped.

Today he confirmed he is no longer captain, citing ‘problems within the club’.

He added: “I have refused to play until sorted.”

Tolley, son of Stoke chairman Steve, said he would be speaking to Gilmour in the hope of getting him playing again.

“To be honest I am in the dark over a lot of this – all I know is I was asked to get a team out on Saturday,” said Tolley.

Alex Bertram, keeper Bill Alcock, all-rounder Seb Ansley and bowler Paul Collings all return to the colours.

“We have got a pretty strong side out and have a good chance of getting the result we need to start getting our season back on track,” said Tolley.

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