Lancashire steadied the ship after yesterday's wicket-fest at Old Trafford to move into a commanding position against Durham in their LV County Championship Division One clash.

Both teams were bowled out on the first day of the match - England hopefuls Andrew Flintoff and Jimmy Anderson each claiming four wickets for the Red Rose - but this morning proved a far more sedate affair.

Only Mark Chilton (37) had fallen by lunch as Paul Horton (54 not out) and Mal Loye (two no) guided Lancashire to 97 for one, a lead of 126 runs.