LANCASHIRE's crisis deepened at Old Trafford with a humiliating thrashing from Yorkshire's opening pair Craig White and Matthew Wood.

The scoreboard read 309-0 when paceman Mike Smethurst claimed Lancashire's first success in the 65th over, pinning Wood lbw for 115, and celebrating by racing down the pitch to jump over the stumps.

White went on to hit an unbeaten 179 and Yorkshire, who won the first Roses game at Headingley a fortnight ago by seven wickets, were due to resume today at a formidable 358-2.

Even though one and a half days have already been lost to rain, they stand a good chance of completing a Roses double taking them a step nearer the First Division title and leaving a relegation threat over John Crawley's side.

Off the field Lancashire chairman Jack Simmons virtually ruled out Geoff Boycott from taking over as coach from Bob Simpson.

And David Lloyd is unlikely to apply if Lancashire advertise the post.

"There are some areas which need a lot of hard work," said Simmons, referring to the team's plight.

Normally the outspoken Simmons is not given to under-statement, but this was one.

The batting has been Lancashire's major weakness, but this time the bowling let them down badly.

The fielding was also messy and without Neil Fairbrother, Peter Martin and Mike Atherton, it seemed Lancashire were marking time ahead of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy semi on Sunday.

White, whose England place is under threat, carved out a century in 94 balls with a six and 17 fours.

He added two more sixes and today relaunched his innings with Aussie danger man Darren Lehmann at the other end.