LANCASHIRE today threw their weight behind cricket's bid for two divisions.

New chairman Jack Simmons authorised the club to vote for change at the meeting of the first class counties at Lord's, even though on their form of recent years, Lancashire would be firmly in Division Two.

But there were fears amongst the reformers that their hopes would be blocked by the more conservative counties, who were expected to go for a compromise 18 team championship with the top eight to qualify for a one-day "Super Cup" in 1999.

Lancashire have confirmed their right to be in the top section of any two division limited overs set-up with a third placed finish in the Sunday League, despite a five-wicket defeat in their last match against Surrey yesterday.

The Londoners cruised past a target of 206-8 with three overs to spare, Ben Hollioake hitting 61 and Alec Stewart 67 not out. "We should have had 15 more runs on the board," admitted coach Dav Whatmore.

"But it was still at total we could defend. We just didn't get the ball in the right place."

Ian Austin was the exception, claiming 3-25 in his eight overs, but Peter Martin only bowled two overs conceding 16 runs and Gary Keedy went for 47 in five on a rare Sunday appearance.

Neil Fairbrother and Graham Lloyd had been Lancashire's best batsmen, putting on 80 for the fourth wicket, but the lower order couldn't plunder enough runs from the closing overs.

Martin had the consolation of winning £5,000 as the leading Sunday wicket taker in the country this season, while Warren Hegg claimed £2,000 as the wicket keeper with the most dismissals.

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