Shropshire bowls selectors may face shake-up

Shropshire bowls could be under different leadership next year with the future of the 'gang of four' selectors in doubt.

Dennis Lewis, Mick Jones, John Nash and Bob Moss have spent six seasons at the helm of the county squad.

But, after Sunday's exit from the Endseligh County Championship at the group stage, there are signs that some – or all of the quartet – could be ready to step aside.

"It still has to be finalised by everyone involved but we may not do next year," said Lewis. "We've been there six years and we have won the Crosfield Cup.

"I would loved to have won it again this year in the (Shropshire Bowls Association's) centenary year.

"It wasn't to be but we have a record which is as good as anybody else's."

The 'gang of four' came to the helm at the start of the 2007 campaign with a pledge to make Shropshire national champions within three years.

That promise was fulfilled courtesy of a 2009 Crosfield Cup triumph over Yorkshire but the White Rose county gained revenge in the showpiece match two years later.

Regardless of what the current selectors decide, they will still lead Shropshire into the Supplementary – a consolation competition for teams who finished runners-up in their group – next year.

* Newport and St Georges will go head-to-head in the first County Cup semi-final on Saturday.

That game is at Reman Services with Hadley USC hosting holders Chester Road's last-four meeting with surprise packages Hanwood seven days later.