LANCASHIRE went top of Totesport League Division One with a comprehensive five-wicket victory over Glamorgan at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The top order knocked off a target of 211 with more than 10 overs to spare. Carl Hooper saw the side home with an unbeaten 49 from 44 balls. But the major boost for Lancashire was the return of Mal Loye.

The opener missed last week's win over Hampshire, the first one-day game he has not played since joining last summer. Unleashing his full range of shots, including his trademark sweep off the seamers, he showed that there were no worries about him now.

Loye and Sutcliffe put on 52 in just seven overs to launch the Lancashire innings before the former Northants batsman skied to deep square leg for 42, having faced just 35 balls.

"It was good to be back and it was a good win," he said. And his back is now fully recovered. The back spasms were mainly down to my own laziness, not looking after myself."

At one stage it seemed Lancashire's target would be much higher. Glamorgan had reached 132-2 after 25 overs thanks to Alex Wharf who made a career best 72. But Carl Hooper got him and Michael Powell (28) before Sajid Mahmood returned to take three wickets in his second spell.

The young quick bowler had already claimed Matthew Elliott (32) and finished with 4-39, career best one-day figures for Lancashire. It also took him to the top of the wicket takers list for Division One with 12 scalps.

The strength of the Old Trafford squad was again emphasised as James Anderson returned after missing out on the Lord's test, making up for the absence of Peter Martin who will be out for a couple of weeks after undergoing minor knee surgery.