Cricket: Lancashire inspired by Flintoff

Round-up

Andrew Flintoff, who captained the England Under-19 side in Pakistan last winter, made a career-best 70 from 101 balls to set up Lancashire's first Championship victory of the season by three wickets against Worcestershire at New Road yesterday.

Set a generous target of 236 in 64 overs by Tom Moody, Lancashire recovered from 64 for 5 and eventually got home with nearly 12 overs to spare. Flintoff hit 10 fours and a six in his second Championship appearance.

None the worse for a stomach problem which required hospital attention on Saturday, the Preston-born all-rounder virtually won the match in a seventh-wicket stand of 98 in 21 overs with Warren Hegg. Flintoff was then lbw to David Leatherdale, but Hegg remained unbeaten on 54.

Kevin Curran saved North- amptonshire who drew their one-innings game against Glouc- estershire at Luton. Curran took 4 for 69 to help restrict his former county to 180 for 7 declared, and then scored an unbeaten 32 as Northamptonshire crumbled to 58 for 6. But the weather had the final say, denying Gloucestershire a 12-point bonus.

There was no further play at Headingley between Yorkshire and Middlesex, and no play for the fourth day at Grace Road. Leicestershire and Warwickshire were awarded three points each.