Yorkshire back on track for the last eight

Yorkshire got back on course for the Benson & Hedges Cup quarter-finals with a comfortable five-wicket victory over Lancashire.

David Byas and Darren Lehmann were Yorkshire's heroes. Byas was the top-scorer with 55 as they reached a modest target of 171 with more than three overs to spare, while Lehmann won his second Gold Award of the week after taking one for 13 from six overs to go with a quick 35.

Lancashire now have no chance of reaching the last eight and they suffered a further worry with Andy Flintoff forced to leave the field with a side injury.

Flintoff, who has a history of back problems and has remodelled his bowling action during the winter, had just had Lehmann caught at point but now looks likely to miss tomorrow's last B&H game at Nottinghamshire.

Lancashire's total of 170 for nine was a huge disappointment after Mike Atherton and John Crawley had taken them to 118 for one with a second-wicket stand of 110.

Atherton reached his second consecutive half-century from 81 balls with five fours and went on to 60 before lobbing a full toss from Gary Fellows to long leg.

In the next over Crawley, who had just reached his first 50 of the season from 90 balls, was bowled by Lehmann, and Lancashire only managed to add 59 runs from the last 15 overs.

Fellows ended with two for 15 from five overs and Chris Silverwood took three for 30, although Ryan Sidebottom rivalled Lehmann as the pick of the attack and earned figures of 9-1-23-1.

Craig White and Darren Gough, who were both making their first appearance of the season, eased back into action. White bowled his ten overs straight through for 32, and Gough took one for 33 in nine overs.

Byas then put Yorkshire on course for victory in partnerships of 40 with Michael Vaughan, 44 with Anthony McGrath and 51 with Lehmann.