LANCASHIRE claimed their first win in eight matches in all competitions last night with a low-key National League victory over Sussex under the Old Trafford floodlights.

It saw them climb above the Sharks into fifth in the Second Division table, and although promotion has long since been out of the question, they were just relieved to scramble clear of the bottom of the table with something to smile about at last.

Lightning made 200 for eight in their 45 overs with half centuries from John Crawley and Graham Lloyd.

John Wood and Glen Chapple then produced a tight new-ball burst to leave Sussex with an uphill struggle, and the Sharks fell 22 runs short despite a dogged 76 from their opener Richard Montgomerie, who was ninth out.

Wood's figures of two for 20 were his best yet for Lancashire, and a big contrast to the last two games against Glamorgan and Middlesex when he has been very expensive.

Andy Flintoff weighed in with two for 38 and Chris Schofield picked up three wickets in the closing stages.

It looked set to be the same old depressing story for Lancashire as after Crawley won the toss and chose to bat, they slumped to one for two in the fourth over.

But the captain led the recovery with 54 from 99 balls, and Lloyd stepped up the pace late in the innings with a run-a-ball 56, again justifying his recent recall to the one-day team.

Unfortunately Peter Martin will now be out for the rest of the season because of a shin problem which needs at least a month's rest.

Warren Hegg, who missed last night's game with a groin problem, is still hoping to play.

Lancashire will now travel to Colchester for tomorrow's vital Championship relegation clash against Essex in better heart, although they have been hit by the news that