RAYMOND Illingworth and Lancashire continued their tense stand-off at Old Trafford today.

Illy has slammed Lancashire chairman Bob Bennett for demanding action from the Test and County Cricket Board after comments about Mike Atherton in his book "One Man Committee".

It led to a strange atmosphere in the committee room for the Texaco Trophy game yesterday. And relations today were bound to be even more strained with TCCB disciplinary chairman Gerard Elias QC promising to give his decision.

Illingworth was in typically defiant mood, saying: "I won't be resigning and I won't forget who has done and said what during this episode." He had an angry confrontation with Bennett at the second Texaco game on Saturday at Headingley but chuckled: "I'd better not say anything about that." Bennett said: "There's no problem between us. Raymond wanted to know why I didn't tell him first what Lancashire were doing. Raymond has been described as stubbborn and determined and he seems in that sort of mood now."

Lancashire believe the mood against Illy is strengthening, and Derbyshire chairman Mike Horton has said that it's time for him to go.

But Illingworth, who has pledged to quit cricket at the end of the season, remains confident of staying until then. "Dennis Silk, the chairman of the Board and Duncan Fearnley, a member of the Executive, could not have been more supportive," he insisted. "If they want a showdown I will give them one."

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