WEST DEPTFORD, N.J. – The North Cumberland Little League of Upper Deerfield, N.J., on Thursday evening became the ninth team to qualify for the 2008 Senior League World Series.

The New Jersey champions defeated Wilmington, Del., 7-3, to cap off an undefeated run through the U.S. East qualifying tournament.

Among Upper Deerfield’s other four victories in the 11-team, double-elimination regional was a 12-2 decision over Maine champion Ellsworth last Saturday.

The New Jersey team will open play at the Senior League World Series in Bangor at 5:30 p.m. Sunday in a Pool A game against Vilnius, Lithuania, the Europe-Middle East-Africa champion.

Upper Deerfield will attempt to become the first U.S. East team to win the Senior League World Series since Freehold Township, N.J., won the world Little League title for 14- through 16-year-olds in 2004.

One vacancy remains in the 10-team field, the Canadian champion that will be determined Friday evening.