Lancashire v Durham: Paul Horton century leaves game in balance

Paul Horton shared an opening stand of 138 with Luis Reece

Lancashire opener Paul Horton struck a century for the hosts to leave their Division One match with Durham evenly poised at the end of day two.

Horton led the way with 114 as the Red Rose county closed on 252-5, trailing by 88 runs after Durham were bowled out for 340 on the second morning.

They added 11 to their overnight total, while Tom Smith finished with 5-45.

Horton and Luis Reece put on 138 for the first wicket and Ashwell Prince will resume 58 not out on Sunday.

But Lancashire will be disappointed by the loss of three wickets in the final session, in a game that may prove pivotal to both side's survival chances.

There was some confusion over the award of penalty runs during Lancashire's innings, meaning their total at the close of play was amended and reduced by four runs.

Lancashire opener Paul Horton told BBC Radio Manchester:

"It's a really good day for us. To get two wickets early to restrict them to under 350 and then to bat well was good to see.

"It's a pressure game, we're down at the bottom and so are Durham.

"The key for us now is to bat as long as we can. We've got batting points to get and we need to get as many as we can in this first innings. If we can get to 400, I think that will be a good score."

BBC Radio Newcastle's Martin Emmerson:

"On a cold and windy day, Lancashire's progress was slow. But, with so much riding on this game, they are making sure they give themselves the best chance of a positive result.

"Durham were all out for 340 and then struggled to make inroads with the ball because a number of their players are unwell.

"Ryan Buckley only managed two overs with the ball before going to the dressing room because he was ill.

"Lancashire openers Paul Horton and Luis Reece took advantage with a record first-wicket stand for the club against Durham. It was eventually broken by Scott Borthwick, who bowled from the sixth over of the innings until virtually the last."