LANCASHIRE faced a run rate dilemma in their latest Benson & Hedges Cup qualifying game at Trent Bridge today, writes ANDY WILSON.

They went into their fourth match against Notts back down in third place in their group, after victories for Leicestershire and Warwickshire yesterday.

That meant that winning today, and at home to Northants on Saturday, might not be enough to earn a quarter final place.

Lancashire currently have the second best run rate in the group, with 12.65. Warwickshire are way ahead with 20.33, and if they win their last game at home to Notts on Saturday seem certain to qualify.

Leicester's run rate is currently only 7.10, but they have the chance to boost it in their last game, at home to the Minor Counties.

But Lancashire coach Dav Whatmore insists that his team must concentrate first and foremost on winning their remaining matches.

"We are not concerning ourselves with run rate at the moment," he said. "All we want is to win every game."

But Whatmore is only too aware that Lancashire went out on run rate last season.

And they made a slow start today after being inserted by Notss, Mike Atherton departing for one in a total of 20 from 5.4 overs. Meanwhile Lancashire youngster Mark Chilton continued his impressive form for the British Universities team in their shock win against Gloucestershire at Bristol yesterday.

The 21-year-old from Sale, hit 54 and then kept cool as captain to lead the students to a seven-run win - emulating Mike Atherton, who also enjoyed success as the Combined Universities captain in the B&H Cup almost a decade ago.

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