LANCASHIRE chief executive Jim Cumbes today apologised to the members after surely one of the most embarrassing weeks in the club's history.

After being forced to switch next week's Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy quarter final against Durham to Blackpool because Old Trafford is being used for three Robbie Williams concerts.

Lancashire were left red-faced again on Sunday when the Norwich Union National League game against Durham was abandoned because of a hole in one of the covers.

The situation was made even worse because Lancashire initially announced that the problem was a wet outfield, leading to allegations of a cover-up.

Cumbes denied that, saying: "There was never any intention to deceive anyone. "But we apologise to the supporters over the confusion -- and obviously for the fact that we were unable to provide any cricket on what turned out to be a perfect afternoon."

It was the tenth washout of the season at Old Trafford, following the opening National League match of the year against Hampshire and all four days of two Championship matches, against Surrey and Glamorgan.

Lightning have lost more ground on the Second Division promotion race -- they are now 10 points behind third-placed Hampshire.

And they are in danger of more frustration tomorrow with a poor weather forecast threatening the floodlit game against Worcestershire Royals -- the Second Division leaders.

If they do manage to play, Mark Chilton will return to the one-day side in place of Mike Atherton.

Glen Chapple should also be fit again after missing the victory over Sussex in the C&G Trophy last Thursday, and he is likely to replace Mike Smethurst.