LANCASHIRE are running into ominous one-day form and won by 31 runs according to a Duckworth-Lewis calculation after Derbyshire's chase for 220 was curtailed by bad light and rain with 19.3 overs remaining.

There was a bonus, too, with Michael Atherton finally making a score, a stately 98 lasting almost the duration, and sharing a partnership of 138 with Neil Fairbrother (70).

The start was unconvincing on a slowish pitch used in Saturday's Benson and Hedges Cup match, but Atherton is in dire need of runs, any runs, and had chiselled 28 at the halfway stage while Fairbrother forced the pace in inimitable fashion, mixing deft deflection with bludgeoning drives down the ground.

Ironic jeers greeted the former England captain's first scoring shot, followed by more appreciative acclaim when he reached his half-century off 79 balls.

The Old Trafford atmosphere had reverted to type after the previous day's balmy interlude, but Atherton eventually warmed to the task with five fours in a 117-ball knock which will have done his confidence a power of good.