ELTON are looking to prove that last season's Cross Cup triumph was no flash in the pan.

The Bury side were never looked on as cup favourites in what was only their second Bolton Association campaign but they quickly became a force to be reckoned with as they notched up a string of successes.

Their batting was their strength as they swept aside the challenges of Blackrod, Golborne and British Aero before taking the Cross Cup with an emphatic 71 run win over favourites Atherton in the final.

Tomorrow they begin the defence of the trophy with a side strengthed by the all-round talents of Darren Foy and they should account for an Adlington side that has yet to pick up a win so far this season.

Victory for Elton will pitch them against two fancied sides, Golborne or Daisy Hill, who clash in the first round at Simpsons Field but Golborne had a taste of Elton's early season form last weekend when they went down to a 68 run defeat at Bury.

Current Association leaders Spring View travel to Blackrod and champions Little Hulton go to Astley and Tyldesley and both will be confident of going through. Of the rest, the game between Clifton and British Aero looks interesting while Edgworth should win at Standish and Darcy Lever will fancy their chances at home to Walshaw.

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