LANCASHIRE suffered another set-back in the Norwich Union Sunday League as they were easily beaten by Northamptonshire.

The Steelbacks proved too strong for Mike Watkinson's men, who are next-to-bottom in Division Two, claiming victory by 62 runs.

Home side Northants were led by a superb 102 from Jeffrey Cook in their total of 261 for eight, David Sales also contributing 64 to the cause.

It was a daunting target for the Lightning to chase and they were bowled out with overs to spare as Cook also led the home side's attack with three for 16 as Lancashire slipped from 161 to five to 199 all out.

They had started quite brightly with openers Chilton and Swann hitting an opening stand of 68, grabbing 34 and 61 runs respectively.

But the rest was just bits and bats with only Warren Hegg managing more than 20 runs of the remaining nine batsmen.