Porthill Park make move to sign all-rounder Coxon
JOHN Hancock believes the signing of Matthew Coxon can help to keep Porthill Park at the forefront of local cricket.
The North Staffs and South Cheshire League Premier Division champions announced the capture of the Stone SP all-rounder over the weekend.
Coxon’s arrival at the Old County Ground further strengthens a squad which has won four of the last five top-flight titles.
But instead of being happy with their lot, Porthill Park made their move for Stone SP’S star man to outline their intentions of staying ahead of the pack in the coming years.
“There were whispers that he was ready for a new challenge and he was our number one target,” said Porthill Park captain Hancock. “We work for him and hopefully he will work for us as well.
“We’re not going down the overseas route for next year because of the uncertainty about what is going on with Covid.
“So that’s another reason why we went for Matt. We also needed cover with the ball and the bat and he does both for us.
“We’ve now got a core of players who can be together for the next five or six years.
“Matt won games for Stone SP with both bat and ball and his characteristics as a winner are a good fit for us.
“We have had a good few years as a club, although we know it won’t last forever, but we want to make sure it continues for as long as possible.
“Our target before a ball is bowled is to win every game and win the league and Matt improves us as a squad.”
Coxon, aged 26, spent nine seasons with Stone SP and helped the club to a host of silverware.
The Staffordshire allrounder departs having won two NSSCL Premier Division titles, four Twenty20 Cups and the Staffordshire Cup, among other accolades.
He scored 5,780 runs for Stone SP, took 559 wickets with his seam bowling and claimed 132 catches.
Hancock says his arrival enhances his options as the league looks set to embark on a new-look format for the 2021 campaign.
Half of the matches are set to be win/lose, with the remaining 50 per cent played over the traditional win/lose/ draw format.
“The beauty of the move is that with two different formats we needed to have options,” added Hancock.
“I don’t know how the batting order is going to look like or whether Matt will open the bowling or be first change - but we can switch it around depending on what format we’re playing and the game situation.
“It’s all about having that depth and the good thing from chatting to Matt is that he’s targeting winning more trophies.
“The move might surprise a few clubs, but we want to keep being the best we can be.”
Stone SP released a statement thanking Coxon for his years of service.
It read: “After nine successful years, starting as a talented youngster, before being appointed the club professional for the last five seasons, we would like to wish Matt Coxon all the very best as he embarks on a new chapter in his cricketing career.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure Cocko, many thanks for your service to the
club, your match-winning performances and your excellent commitment.
“You will be missed and will be a huge asset to your new club. Enjoy the challenge and good luck.”
It is understood another Premier Division club were also keen on Coxon, although Porthill Park’s recent success
always weighed heavily in their favour.
Coxon adds to a formidable bowling unit, which includes former first-class seamer Ben Cotton, ex-staffs paceman Craig Barker and quick Dan Gibbs.
And Coxon will also provide an extra dimension to Porthill Park’s batting department.