ANDY Flintoff hit an unbeaten 65 as Lancashire comfortably beat Sussex by seven wickets in their Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy clash at Old Trafford today.

Chasing 152 for victory and a home game against Durham, Lancs reached the century mark for the loss of just two wickets - openers Atherton, today named as stand-in skipper for England's Second Test against Australia, and Wood.

Flintoff, desperate to impress the England selectors, was in fine form with the bat to follow his impressive spell with the ball yesterday when he led the way with 2-19 from 10 overs in difficult conditions, as Sussex stumbled to 151 all out.

Flintoff took charge when the rain-hit clash resumed and Lancs booked a home quarter-final against Durham on July 23 or 25 shortly before 2pm.

Rain delayed the start until mid-afternoon yesterday, 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 will give Lancashire a gilt-edged chance of reaching the semis.