Steve Gale – the only previous Shropshire captain to hoist aloft the National Knockout trophy – believes family fortunes can be the catalyst for another famous Shrewsbury triumph tomorrow.

Gale was the key decision-maker for the 1983 Shropshire invasion of Lord’s when Shrewsbury staged a stunning final over fightback to pip Hastings to the biggest prize in club cricket.

Ed Foster’s side have the chance to emulate that monumental achievement tomorrow when they take on Cambridge Granta in the final at the County Ground in Derbyshire.

And Gale believes the make-up of the team – which features three sets of brothers, two of which have families steeped in the club’s history – will prove crucial.

John Foster and Andy Barnard were both in the class of 83 and their sons – Ed and Rob Foster and Michael, Stephen and Ed Barnard – are all in the squad of 12 heading to Derby tonight. The other siblings are Joe and Stephen Leach.

“In club cricket, having family connections are really important,” said Gale, wh-ose own son James will fly in from his current home in Gurnsey to watch the final having played with many of the Shrewsbury line-up as a junior.

“It can generate a great team spirit which was really important in 1983.

“That should help Shr-ewsbury tomorrow, especially if it becomes a tight game.”

When his First Class umpiring commitments have allowed, Gale has been a regular at London Road watching Shrewsbury’s run to the final.

And he has been thoroughly impressed by the performances of the club’s latest generation of stars.

“They have got deep batting order, five or six good strong bowling options which you need to do well in a tournament like this and their fielding is fantastic,” he added.

“In terms of club cricket, I don’t think you would see any better. “I think they have the ability to win it and I would be thrilled if they did.”