LANCASHIRE pushed open the door to the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy with a superb bowling performance against Sussex.

Then today they followed that by reaching the century mark for the loss off just two wickets - openers Atherton, today named as stand-in skipper for England's Second Test against Australia, and Wood.

Andy Flintoff, desperate to impress the England selectors, led the way yesterday with 2-19 from 10 overs in difficult conditions, as Sussex stumbled to 151 all out.

The rain-hit clash resumed with Lancashire aiming to book a home quarter-final against Durham on July 23 or 25. "We are in a good position," said coach Bob Simpson. "It was a superb all round performance, considering the conditions."

Rain delayed the start until mid-afternoon, and caused other interruptions, and a howling wind added to the problem. But Flintoff was magnificent, sending back danger man Murray Goodwin and Bas Zuiderent in successive balls.

John Wood also impressed with two early wickets and Atherton held on to three smart catches at first slip.

A delighted Simpson added: "We took all our catches and controlled our bowling, it was a highly satisfactory performance."

Lancashire need a good run in this tournament. Their championship hopes took a knock in last week's defeat by Kent, and unless they beat Second Division leaders Durham on Sunday, they will face a formidable promotion task in the Norwich Union League.

And, despite Durham's recent one-day revival, a home clash with the North-east outfit would give Lancashire a gilt-edged chance of reaching the semis.