Shropshire’s triumphant bowlers can rule Britain for the foreseeable future if there is one key ingredient — continuity.

That’s the message from the latest member of the ‘Gang of Four’ selectors to look to the future in the wake of the 44-shot Crosfield Cup final triumph over Yorkshire at the weekend.

Following on from Bob Moss’s hint that he, Dennis Lewis, Mick Jones and John Nash would – if asked – like to carry on next year, Lewis today outlined his view of the way forward.

“Many people are asking what will happen to the Gang of Four now. Well, we intend to meet and have a discussion over the next few weeks.

“The appointment of selectors is at the county AGM in February 2010 and my personal view is that I would like to have another crack at it again next year.

“To retain the cup for two years would be great – but the important factor is that we must not lose what the county team has now got.

“Whoever does the selection next year, continuity is important.

“Perhaps the way forward would be to appoint new selectors to work with the Gang of Four to allow a smooth transition to the future and maintain a successful strategy.”

And, in his own words, Lewis explained exactly how that strategy developed:

“Following my interest in getting involved in senior county selection, a discussion took place with Mick Jones from St Georges who too was interested.

“Between us we felt that a representation from Whitchurch and Shrewsbury was required so approaches were made to Bob Moss and John Nash, who both agreed as they were keen too.

“Eyebrows were raised at the county AGM and procedures were checked when I announced that we wished to stand as a group of four – not separately.

“A ballot took place, because there were other candidates, but the ‘Gang of Four’ gained the most votes.

“And many people told me I was an idiot for stating at that meeting that we would deliver the Crosfield Cup within our three year term.

“Success does not come overnight, but it is important to have a clear goal and agreed strategy.

“It should be built around strong leadership, good organisation and clear lines of communication.

“During our first year one of our main tasks was to identify greens which provided challenges to the opposition, but where our players were happy to play.

“We had to look at the strengths of the playing talent available and give younger bowlers a chance.

“There was also the task of developing team spirit in the squad to allow movement of players between home and away teams.

“And lastly we had to convince the players that the Shropshire team is as good, if not better, than all the rest of the counties.

“Selectors give up a lot of time being involved with the county and it saddens me that a small minority find it necessary to put adverse comments on websites.

“Indeed it was strongly rumoured that a vote of no confidence in the selectors was being encouraged.

“But it did not deter us from our vision, the appointment of two captains being a key move in providing a voice from the players to the selectors.

“In our three years we have developed a squad with so much belief in their capabilities that Shropshire can be a major force in the county championship for several years to come.

“The talent we have available is outstanding and I speak on behalf of all the selectors when I say it has been a pleasure being involved with the county for the last three years.

“And to all the bowlers we say: You deserved to win it.”

By MALCOLM FLETCHER