CROSS Cup holders Elton go into tomorrow's final at Atherton firmly installed as favourites but know they can't take liberties with opponents Standish.

Elton can't afford to take anything for granted against the Wigan-based side that will be ultra-keen to make an impact in their first-ever final appearance.

Standish have shown some impresive form in this season's competition, none moreso than in the semi-final last month when they toppled league champions Little Hulton.

No damage will have been done to Elton's confidence either after they saw off Atherton in the semi-final - a repeat of last year's final.

Although both teams are stacked with good players, the contributions of the respective professionals will have a huge bearing on the outcome.

The Standish bowling attack will rely heavily on Andy Cumberbatch whose 86 victims this season make him the Bolton Association's leading wicket-taker.

Cumberbatch is seen as a central figure in Standish's emergence as a major force. So much so that the club has recently persuaded Cumberbatch to sign a two-year extension to his contract to make him the longest serving professional in Standish's history.

His opposite number is Darron Foy, the former Darcy Lever all-rounder who is in his first season with Elton.

Foy has 60 wickets so far this season and has scored over 500 runs at an average of just over 25.

Foy's top priority will be to remove the useful opening pair of Mark Ramsdale and Phil Hassan.

Ramsdale, in particular, will be a prized scalp. He has hit almost 700 runs this season at an average approaching 50.

And equally Standish will be keen to get rid of Elton's leading batsmen such as John Ashworth and captain/wicket-keeper Steve Lomas.

It all adds up to the prospect of a thrilling final.

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