DARCY Lever go in search of their first trophy for 18 years when they face Atherton in the final of the 40/40 Cup tomorrow.

And if that is a long time, it is nothing compared to the wait for silverware they endured before lifting the now-defunct Vimto Trophy in 1996.

You have to go back more than 100 years for the only other trophies the club have ever won, the Cross Cup in 1889 and 1891.

Not surprisingly, there has been an air of expectancy around Hacken Lane this week.

The game, which takes place at Atherton’s ground starting at 12.30pm, has taken on an extra edge after a situation which arose in a league game between the two sides this season.

Darcy beat Atherton, who complained to the league that the deputy professional their opponents fielded was a higher grade than allowed. The league found in Atherton’s favour and awarded them the winning points.

“We got a pro on board to try to stay in the top league,” explained committee member Mick Gavin.

“We made a statement that we wanted to stay in the top league and we went to Atherton with a deputy pro and beat them.

“They put in an appeal and their captain said one or two things about it in The Bolton News and we didn’t like what was said, so there’s a bit of extra spice playing Atherton at Atherton in this cup final.”

Captain and opening batsman Nick Fawcett has not played in the cup as Darcy have preferred to give other members of the squad a taste of the action.

It is not known whether he will come in for the final, but Gavin says there will be a big local contingent to whatever side is put out.

“The lads are all Darcy Lever lads,” he said. “And they are up for it big style.

“There is a definite buzz around the place.”