PROFESSIONAL Andy Hall produced a superb innings to ensure Atherton reached their second successive Cross Cup final.

Hall remained unbeaten on 92 as Atherton overcame Elton by seven wickets to set up a final showdown with Adlington on August 20.

In reply to Elton's 180, Atherton were in trouble at 36-3 before Hall combined with Phillip West in a 147 runs partnership which steered them home.

Hall had a terrific weekend with the bat and followed up his unbeaten 109 the previous day in the league, with one of his finest innings in his seven seasons at the club.

His performance was in stark contrast to Saeed Anwar, Elton's deputy professional from Greenmount who scored five runs with the bat and took 0-39 with the ball. Anwar was a late replacement as Elton's pro Arothe had been called home to India because of his father's poor health. The Bury club were hoping their former Aussie pro Greg Dimery would fill the breach, but as he plays in the Cheshire League, which do not have professionals, an appearance would have broken his amateur status.

In Elton's total of 180 skipper John Pemberton led the way with 47 and Peter Kay added 34. Steve Walsh was the pick of the bowlers with 3-23.

Darcy Lever's hopes of reaching the final for the first time in more than 100 years were shattered at Adlington.

The home side made 193-8 inspired by 61 from opener Mike Leyland and 55 by Steve Rawlinson. The pair put on exactly 100 runs after opener Mark Halliwell had made 19, but after such a good start they must have been a little disappointed not to have topped the 200 mark.

Jason Whittaker was the best bowler with 2-24 from his 10 overs. Eric Shaw finished with 2-38 and Andrew Stocks 2-39. In the event it did not matter as Darcy got off to a poor start and never recovered. Eight of the first 10 overs were maidens and at the half way stage they were only 50-1. Nicklin and Shaw both hit 28 but when pro Whittaker was out for 23 to a superb running catch on the boundary by Graeme Hurst Adlington were home and dry.

Darcy were bowled out for 140 in the 47th over with Hurst taking 0-20 from 10 overs, Duncan McNally 1-12, young Mark Robinson 2-33, Matthew Taylor 2-17 and Mike Rawlings 4-34. It will be Adlington's first final appearance since 1984.