LANCS TAKE CONSOLATION WIN IN CUP

GEORGE Balderson hit a spirited 53 off 67 balls to set up a consolation first win for Lancashire in this year's Metro Bank One Day Cup and break a six-game losing streak.

Balderson struck five fours and a six during a crucial partnership of 65 with Josh Boyden (44 not out off 35 balls) after Lancashire had slumped to 152 for seven against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.

The pair's fightback allowed Lancashire to post 240 for nine before holding off the Steelbacks' challenge in a thrilling, tense run chase, emerging victorious by just four runs.

Earlier in this bottom of the table clash, Ben Sanderson made the initial breakthrough, removing two Lancashire top-order batters in five deliveries, while Saif Zaib claimed three for 44 as wickets continued to fall before Balderson and Boyden fought back.

In the run chase, Justin Broad hit a careerbest 63, his first List A half-century and shared a fifth wicket stand of 77 off 81 balls with skipper Lewis McManus.

Boyden (2-49) starred with the ball too, breaking the partnership by removing McManus and despite a gutsy 27 from Gus Miller, the hosts fell just short.

Sanderson started by clean bowling Kesh Fonseka and knocking over Josh Bohannon's stumps when the Lancashire skipper advanced down the pitch.