EAST Lancashire are going for cup glory on Monday when make the trip to Rochdale in the final of the Inter League Club Challenge Trophy.

It hasn't been the best of seasons for the Alexandra Meadows side as, after challenging for the Transco Lancashire League title for the last six seasons, they are now at the wrong end of the table in third from bottom spot.

However, they can make it a good season by picking up a piece of silverware if they beat the third placed Central Lancashire League side.

And East Lancs have been boosted by the return of Claude Henderson as their sub-pro for the final.

The South African was the paid man at East Lancs for two seasons helping them to the runners-up spot in 1999 and into third placed the year after - where they missed out on the title on the final day of the season.

Professional Con De Lange hasn't had the best of summer's with the club this time out and went home last week for the start of the South African season.

"It is a big boost to have Claude, he is a model professional," said skipper Andy Clague, who also has Henderson for tomorrow's game at home to Todmorden.

"We are glad he gets the chance to get used to all the lads tomorrow and then we hope he helps us win the trophy on Monday.

"Our whole season is about this now and we hope then we can go on a bit of a run in the final three games and finish the season in good spirit.

"We are not used to being in this position near the bottom.

"I know Con de Lange has been disappointed with his form this season. It was a big challenge for him as he is only a young kid.

"Now it is all about rebuilding for next season. Ian Howarth is certain it is his last season and we have been stretched.

"Saying that, John Fairless has been a revelation as a leg spinner."

Rochdale have 'Tosh' Arothe as their sub-pro for this game, who has also sub-proed in the Lancashire League this season.

He made his debut for Rochdale last week and hit 134 - he is a dangerman.

"To be honest, I don't know that much about him so we will just worry about ourselves.

"It is different in cup games where you have fives bowlers bowling nine overs, you don't have to worry about a pro bowling 20-odd overs. We just have to be concerned about ourselves and play to our strengths."

The good news for East Lancs is that they have Phil Mercer back and both Paul Kelly and Phil Bolton who were sidelined with broken hands.

"We have had injuries and people on honeymoon and quite a lot of players not in form this season," said the captain.

"And the weather has been atrocious. It has been stop-start and I feel like the season has never got going."

It will, however, make their season if Clague can lift the trophy on Monday for his club.