Lewis makes noises for county harmony

The chairman of a leading Shropshire bowls league has made an impassioned plea for a better working relationship with the county association.

Dennis Lewis made the call during his keynote speech at the Worthington Mid Shropshire League's annual dinner and presentation.

More than 100 braved the conditions to make it to St Georges Sports & Social Club on Saturday night when Hadley USC were officially crowned champions.

And Lewis told them of his concerns about a "lack of harmony in the county" in the wake of the Calverhall controversy.

"When we have our president who is 90 (John Jones), who does not want to go to county executive meetings because he feels they are a waste of time - and I am sure that is a view shared by other leagues - we have to do something about it," said Lewis.

"We must try and build bridges, and build a better working relationship with the county."

Lewis' other hopes for 2010 include Shropshire's senior side, of which he is a selector, retaining the Crosfield Cup, Mid Shropshire the junior inter-league crown and a Mid Shropshire youngster winning the British Junior Merit at Burway.

"I also want to see our rules simplified so that we are not preventing players from playing," he added.

Lewis described county president Isobel Jones, the guest of honour at St Georges, as a lucky charm.

"She was county president the first time when Shropshire juniors won the national crown in 2006 and last year the seniors won the Crosfield Cup.

"And I feel we can win it again this year," added Lewis who, along with other members of the Gang of Four - John Nash, Bob Moss and Mick Jones - is standing for re-election at the county AGM on February 1 at Reman Services in Shrewsbury.

He also had special words for league Merit winner Les Mumford - "a good bowler who is loyal to his club and the league" - and for Hadley.

"I know they did not make it to the Premier League as they wanted, but I am very glad they are still in the Mid Shropshire League."