Last updated 19:41, Thursday, 06 November 2008

ELLENBOROUGH have opted to play amateur rugby league’s 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 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.

Club chairman Wilson Smith said: “We are pleased with the venue. 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 it 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 division one this season with Kells boasting a 100 per cent record after five games and champs Ellenborough slipping up only once, against Glasson.

Ellenborough’s Paul McGee will be sidelined until the New Year with a shoulder injury while top players Eddie Robinson and David Whitworth are both sidelined.