NO ONE thought it could get much better than Lancashire's 'Year of the Bat' in 2003.

But the team have already made the best possible start in trying to beat last years record 28 centuries. Iain Sutcliffe, Stuart Law and Carl Hooper all scored tons in Lancashire's 504-9 declared against Northants. So that's three down, 26 to go to beat last season's figure.

The centuries in Lancashire's opening Championship fixture were all different styles. Sutcliffe knuckled down and played the anchor role, Law unleashed his powerful cuts and cover drives, while Hooper was his usual graceful self.

Last season's opening fixture against Surrey brought two centuries, from Law and Mal Loye, so they are already ahead of their target.

"It's going to be very difficult to match last year's success with the bat," said skipper Warren Hegg. "But that's what we've got to try and emulate."

Ex-Old Trafford player Tim Roberts led a Northants fight back with an unbeaten 85.