ANDY Flintoff stayed in Manchester today when Lancashure set out on a West Country tour to end their season.

They launched their last championship game at Taunton today and go to Worcester on Sunday for what should have been the CGU National League title showdown.

Lancashire became champs a week earlier than expected last Sunday, and now the New Road clash has anti climax written all over it.

But captain John Crawley claimed there was still plenty to play for this week saying: "We can finish runners up in the championship by beating Somerset, and that would be an achievement, and both us and Worcester will feel there is something to prove on Sunday."

However Flintoff, still suffering from a side strain, is missing for the last stage of a roller coaster Red Rose campaign. "There is no point in taking a risk with him now, " said Crawley.

But the 21-year-old giant will be okay for England's tour of South Africa starting on October 26. "There is no problem with that," Crawley added.

In the meantime Flintoff has to decide whether to accept a four year contract offered by Lancashire. It is almost certain he will stay, although he has until the end of the month to decide.

Lancashire were reduced to 17-2 after winning the toss and batting. Mark Chilton made six and Mike Atherton seven.

After 12.5 overs Lancs were 21-2.

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