LANCASHIRE were playing for a money-spinning Roses semi-final showdown today.

They resumed their bid to score 159 to beat Gloucestershire in the Benson and Hedges Cup quarter final at Old Trafford, which suffered three blows late last night, in the knowledge that the winners would be at home to Yorkshire in the last four.

That would guarantee Lancashire a big crowd and a huge financial boost on June 11, especially after the attendance for the quarter final was wrecked by the weather.

But before planning for the semi, Lancashire's batsmen had to get their act together against Gloucester today.

The visitors had done well to reach 158 after a superb spell by Steve Elworthy had reduced them to 82-7.

Mike Watkinson and Mike Atherton launched Lancashire's reply at half past seven and fell in consecutive overs to attacking shots - Watkinson caught at long leg off Mike Smith, and Atherton caught behind trying to hook Courtney Walsh.

Even with less than 10 minutes remaining until the eight o'clock close, Lancashire persisted with their new pinch-hitting tactics, but the gamble backfired disastrously when Ian Austin was caught at slip off Smith to leave them on 12-3.

Nick Speak and John Crawley were left to repair the damage today and moved on to 32 before Nick Speak was caught behind off Hancock.

But Neil Fairbrother launched a counter-offensive and was 28 not out as Lancashire reached 75 for four from 24 overs.

Glen Chapple and Gary Keedy return to contention for the Championship game against Gloucester which starts at Old Trafford tomorrow.

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