LANCASHIRE were bracing themselves for a storm of protest today after being forced to switch their Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy quarter final against Durham to Blackpool - because of Robbie Williams.

Old Trafford is unavailable for the quarter final date on July 25 because Robbie is playing three sell-out concerts later in the week.

"It's unfortunate, but it does give us the chance to take a game to the coast," said chief executive Jim Cumbes, who is hoping for a 5,000 full house at Stanley Park.

It will be the second C&G game out of three that Lancashire have taken to Blackpool, after the Warwickshire Cricket Board switched their home fourth round tie there because they did not have suitable facilities.

Lancashire booked their place in the last eight yesterday by completing a comfortable seven-wicket win against Sussex. John Wood made the most of his chance in the one-day team, taking three wickets before hitting a quick 20 as pinch-hitting opener.

Wood and Mike Atherton, who had just confirmed that he would resume the England captaincy at Lord's next week, went in quick succession but Andy Flintoff steadied any Lancashire nerves with a powerful unbeaten half century.

Flintoff reached his 50 with a six off Jason Lewry and added another off Chris Adams in his best one-day knock of the season as Lancashire cruised to victory.

And after picking up two for 19 in his 10 overs on Wednesday, Flintoff edged out Wood as the man of the match.

Lancashire will play Durham in a preview of the quarter final at Old Trafford on Sunday in the Norwich Union National League.