BLACKBURN teenager Oliver Newby made his Championship debut as Lancashire got their match against Northamptonshire under way at Liverpool.

The 19-year-old, who played iwth Read in the Ribblesdale League, got his chance after former England Test bowler Peter Martin was counted out through injury.

And Lancashire showed some much needed pride after the opening day washout.

The Red Rose side won the toss and put the visitors into bat, hoping to exploit some early movement after the pitch had been covered.

Just five wickets by the end of the day may not seem that impressive but the team fought hard in the field.

Following their humiliating defeat against the same opposition on Friday in the National League, coach Mike Watkinson said he was embarrassed by the performance and wanted Lancashire to show their supporters the pride and spirit they are renowned for.

Watkinson said: "The lads worked hard out there and kept going well.

"There is plenty of pride in the team but your confidence does take a knock when a few results don't go your way."

Lancashire were forced to make changes due to injury with Martin pulling out of the squad with a swollen knee.

That handed Newby, a fast-medium bowler, his chance and he bowled with plenty of promise, especially his final spell of the day, but the bulk of the work was on the shoulders of Dominic Cork and John Wood.

Both responded well, Cork getting through 21 overs in two long spells and Wood grabbing two early wickets in an impressive opening burst.

Steve Crook also responded to extra responsibility and picked up an important late wicket when he had Graeme Swann (47) caught by Warren Hegg after a stand of 92 with Usman Afzaal (83 not out).

But with so much time lost to rain, another 20 overs were lopped of yesterday by a heavy shower, there is unlikely to be enough time for Lancashire to force a win.

If that's the case they will have gone through June without a victory in any competition.