Cricket: Flintoff races to rapid century

ANDREW FLINTOFF scored a century in 61 balls as Lancashire made up for lost time against Gloucestershire at Bristol.

The England all-rounder had reached 112 not out by lunch as Lancashire raced to 174 for 3 when the match finally got under way on the third morning. Mike Smith had earlier reduced Lancashire to 29 for 2 off 10.3 overs.

At Derby, Yorkshire's Matthew Hoggard took two quick wickets as Derbyshire fell to 97 for 6 in reply to Yorkshire's lowly first-innings total of 117. Robin Weston, unbeaten on 55, steered the score to 137 for 6.

Northamptonshire's Australian import, Matthew Hayden, hit a rapid 86 not out as Northamptonshire raced to 141 for 1 off 28 overs in reply to Nottinghamshire's first-innings 220 at Northampton.

At The Riverside, Durham progressed to 56 for 1, with Jon Lewis unbeaten on 37, as they chased Somerset's first-innings total of 300.

Kent are facing the follow-on after collapsing to 71 all out in their first innings against Surrey at Tunbridge Wells. Surrey made 271 in their first innings, with Alex Tudor taking 5 for 30.

Sussex declared on 301 for 9 to set up a challenge for Worcestershire at Horsham - then let their attack loose with Jason Lewry taking two devastating early wickets which left the visitors on 2 for 3. Lewry sent back Ruben Spiring for one and trapped Graeme Hick lbw for a duck.

Rain delayed play between Leicestershire and Glamorgan at Grace Road, with the visitors on 99 for 1 in the first innings.