Horton century puts Lancashire in poll position at Guilford.
On day 1 of the match at Guilford, Lancashire will feel that they have had the better of this rain interrupted fixture, finishing on 245-3. With tough conditions and historically a difficult morning session for batsmen at this ground, the decision to bowl first from Surrey seemed to be the correct one. However, Lancashire openers, Paul Horton (110) and Stephen Moore (24) were able to see off these dangerous conditions for just under an hour before losing their first wicket. Stephen Moore had batted confidently until he was trapped LBW to Stuart Meaker for 24, leaving the visitors 47-1.
Karl Brown assisted Horton well up until lunch unbeaten on 30 where Lancashire reached an impressive 112-1 under the circumstances. Just before the interval opener Horton reached his 50 from 95 balls. After lunch they continued to bat with little resistance from Surrey as Karl Brown brought up the hundred partnership with Horton, with Lancashire on 147-1. As confidence continued to grow in the afternoon session Karl Brown started to attack the spin of veteran Gareth Batty and had better success than when he tried to do so from the previously successful Meaker, who forced Brown to edge behind to Steve Davies one run short of his 50.
Between the fall of Lancashire's second wicket and tea, multiple chances where put down by the Surrey fielders, which would seriously have improved an otherwise desperate situation. As a consequence of this and a brief shower, both batsmen finished unbeaten at tea, Horton (85) and Ashwell Prince (15) with Lancashire on 188-2.
After tea, the visitors built on their already formidable start as they reached 200 to gain their first bonus point of the game. This was however followed by another rain delay and when they returned play resumed for just one ball before they came off once more, this time for bad light. After all the delays, Horton returned unfazed to bring up his 15th first class century off 219 balls with 14 fours. Shortly afterwards Horton was dismissed for 110, when England pace-bowler, Chris Tremlett, forced Horton to push the ball to Gareth batty at first slip, with Lancashire on 233-3 and 5 overs left.
After the dismissal of Horton, Prince was able to see through the rest of play accompanied by Steven Croft who was dropped twice before the end of the first days play. Lancashire finished on 245-3 and considering they only faced 81 overs they scored well under tough conditions.
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