LANCASHIRE secured runners-up spot in totesport League Division One with a convincing 48-run victory over the already relegated Surrey Lions at Old Trafford.

The visitors were always struggling in reply to Lancashire's 244-9, based around 73 from 72 balls from Stuart Law and a career best 69 not out from Chris Schofield.

After an opening stand of 59 Surrey slumped to 95 for five in reply. Glen Chapple took the two opening wickets, including England batsman Mark Butcher who was bowled for one on his return from injury.

The big wicket of Mark Ramprakash (9), caught down the leg-side, fell to Sajid Mahmood and, when Gary Keedy struck twice, the Lions were in trouble.

The left-arm spinner bowled Scott Newman (33) and then had Adam Hollioake stumped in his final game for Surrey as the all-rounder charged down the track.

He left the field to a standing ovation from the crowd of almost 7,000.

Alistair Brown (41) and Azhar Mahmood (22) did their best to rescue Surrey with a stand of 49 for the sixth wicket but both fell to skied catches as the required run rate rose to over eight an over.

Glen Chapple was the pick of the Lightning attack with 3-32 while Keedy again impressed with his flight and control, taking 2-33 in nine overs.

Lancashire's innings was based around three contrasting half-centuries in a solid batting effort.

After Iain Sutcliffe had slashed to second slip early on and pitch-hitter Dominic Cork also fell cheaply, Mark Chilton and Law added 62 for the third wicket.

Chilton reached his fourth league 50 of the season from 54 balls before being run out by Ramprakash from backward point in a mix-up with Law.

The Australian was making his long awaited comeback from injury and immediately looked back in the groove with a series of trademark drives and cuts.

His half-century arrived from 54 balls with five boundaries.

But the impetus that the innings required came from Chris Schofield who made a career best one-day score of 69 from 70 balls. He added 40 in five overs with Kyle Hogg (18) after the quick departures of Law and Glen Chapple.

Schofield's knock included five fours and a six and beat his previous best of 52.

Phil Sampson took 3-48 for the Lions while Nayan Doshi went for just 33 in his nine overs. But Adam Hollioake conceded 27 runs in three overs before being given a guard of honour as he left the field.