Cricket: Gallian makes Lancashire toil

JASON GALLIAN, the Nottinghamshire captain, once part of Lancashire's array of fine young talent, struck a gutsy, patient 120 not out against his old county at Old Trafford yesterday.

Gallian's innings of over four hours in a low scoring County Championship match put his new team well on course for victory. Lancashire are now facing a second Championship defeat in a week, having failed to capitalise on good positions in both Nottinghamshire innings. Notts finished on 289 for 9, 329 ahead with Gallian recording his highest score for his new team.

Lancashire, resuming on 96 for 6 overnight, lost their final four wickets in quick succession, and were all out for 141 despite a spirited 26 from Peter Martin. Glen Chapple, Warren Hegg and Richard Green all went cheaply. Paul Franks finished with impressive bowling figures of 4 for 24, and Vasbert Drakes finished with 4 for 55, as Notts claimed a first innings lead of 40.

The day started in controversy as the Lord's pitch inspector, Harry Brind, travelled up from London overnight to look at a wicket that had claimed 23 wickets in four sessions. Brind eventually decided not to take any action against the county over a track they said was worn out and would be dug-up at the end of the summer.

Michael Slater, the Australian Test opener, and Stephen Titchard shared in a 296-run partnership to put Derbyshire in command on the second day of the Championship match against Northamptonshire at Derby.

Slater - unbeaten overnight on 44 - was Devon Malcolm's third victim, finally exiting for 171, and Titchard, the newcomer from Lancashire, was bowled by Matthew Hayden for 136.