Last updated 16:37, Wednesday, 05 November 2008

Ellenborough have opted to play the Cumbria Cup final at Workington Town’s Derwent Park in a repeat of last season’s showpiece against Kells – and the holders are aiming for the same outcome in the Saturday, December 27 clash.

Gary Murdock’s side edged out the Whitehaven outfit 31-28 last term in one of the most entertaining finals for years, on what has proved a happy hunting ground for Ellenborough.

“We are pleased with the venue,” said chairman Wilson Smith. “We have a good record at Derwent Park and it’s handy for us, though we have also been beaten there in the past.

“It was a high-scoring match last time against Kells, who scored two late tries, and it will be a good final.”

Ellenborough had the option of nominating the venue as is the tradition of the first semi-finals winners drawn out of the bag.

Kells trailed Ellenborough 18-0 in the first-half of last year’s final, going on to outscore Murdock’s men by six tries to five, only to be outdone by Stephen Stoddart’s sure-footed goal-kicking.

The rival clubs are again setting the pace in the Cumberland League First Division, with Kells boasting a 100% record after five games and champs Ellenborough slipping up only once, against Glasson.

“We had a lot of players missing against Glasson, due to injuries and holidays, but take nothing away from them, they deserved to win,” Smith added.

“If we are to win the league again we’ll have to do it the hard way and beat Kells home and away.”

Long-serving Ellenborough star Paul McGee (shoulder) will be sidelined until the New Year, while Eddie Robinson missed out last week with a throat injury, while David Whitworth has also been sidelined.