JACK Tolley will be back at Stoke Gabriel’s helm during the Tolchards DCL season ahead for a second stint as 1st XI captain.

Tolley had a lengthy spell as skipper between 2015, when he succeeded Seb Ansley in the role, and 2022.

Jake Robinson, who took over from Tolley for the 2023 season, signed up for a two-year tenure, during which he steered Stoke to two Corinthian Cup finals days and promotion as C Division West champions in his first year.

Robinson never planned a long period as captain and felt taking Stoke to a respectable fourth-place B Division finish in 2024 was a suitable time to make way.

Said Robinson: “I did say I was going to do it for two years.

“The ideal goal was to get promoted in year one and then, as a minimum stay in the B Division for a season before handing the role over in a better state for someone to take over.

“Jack wanted to do it again and I am more than happy helping with anything, anyway.

“Also, I wanted to finish when we had the 3rd XI sorted, creating a pathway into the seconds and from the seconds to the first team. Hopefully, we now have a solid platform going forward.”

Tolley was quick to praise Robinson for his achievements as skipper. His task will be to build on them.

“Jake did a great job and should be proud of his efforts,” said Tolley.

“We performed brilliantly last year and, probably, overachieved in our first season back in the A Division for a decade.

“There look to be some strong sides in the B Division this year with teams around us strengthening. Our first aim is to stay up, but if things come together there is no reason why we cannot push towards the top end, as we did last season.

South African all-rounder Justin Pringle will be returning for a third season with the club, looking to add to his tally of nearly 2,000 league and cup runs and 48 wickets.

“Bringing back Justin, who is keen to prove he is one of the best run-getters in the league, and with some new signings, we should be competitive,” said Tolley.

New to the club is left-handed batsman Danny Duke, who has switched loyalties from C Division side South Devon. Dad Pat already plays for Stoke Gabriel.

With 323 league runs last season at an average in the 20s, and a top score of 56 against Sandford 2nd XI, only Mali Marshall (388) was more successful with the bat for South Devon. As Duke also turns his arm over, Tolley is glad to have him onboard.

“Danny has been training hard at university and will offer another great spin option as well as his useful runs,” said Tolley, who has two more signings in the pipeline.

Kyle Lardner is Stoke’s new 2nd XI captain. He replaces Kai Horsburgh.