NEIL FAIRBROTHER assumed the role of one-day pilot and steered Lancashire to victory with seven balls to spare at Wantage Road in a match reduced by two heavy downpours to 22 overs per side.

Although handicapped by a thigh injury towards the end and obliged to employ Graham Lloyd as his runner, Fairbrother settled it as he carved an unbeaten 58 from 61 deliveries, backed up by Watkinson in a decisive partnership of 49. Chasing 126, Lancashire lost Paddy McKeown and Andrew Flintoff early on, but Fairbrother and Lloyd helped secure a fourth victory of the season which Watkinson sealed with a six off Franklyn Rose.

Put in to bat, Northants looked set for their lowest total in the competition as Peter Martin struck with the first two balls of the match. Mal Loye chipped to midwicket and David Capel lost his off stump, before Kevin Curran also departed scoreless to Ian Austin in the next over. They were rescued at 29 for six by Tim Walton withan unbeaten 51.