Lancashire Vs. Scotland YB40.

Prince innings gives Lancashire valuable victory.

Ashwell Prince scores 98 as he guides Lancashire to victory.

Scotland's effort of 217-9 always seemed under par and when Lancashire attained victory with 21 balls to spare this fear was proven to be apt. Ashwell Prince led Lancashire's chase, falling two runs shy of a century. 

Lancashire were able to restrict their Scottish opponents, thanks in large to Wayne White, who achieved figures of 4-38. Scotland have now played seven YB40 matches and lost all them, putting any mathematical chances of progression to the semi-finals beyond doubt.

But things where not always easy for the Lightning, with Scotland managing to reach 147-2 at one stage. Frederick Coleman top-scored for Scotland with 63 and mounted a 90-run stand with Calum MacLeod (55).

Scotland's success continued through their captain, Preston Mommsen, who added a fast-hit 46 to prolong Lancashire's misery. 

Although many will not regard what happened next as a collapse, mainly after the events of Essex, Scotland would forfeit their magnificent start, losing five wickets for the addition of nine runs.

In response Lancashire were belligerent, with Stephen Moore taking the early initiative in the powerplay overs. In the highest opening partnership of the season in this campaign, Lancashire scored 105 before the loss of their first wicket, giving them a platform to win the match.

Moore reached his half-century from 51 balls and, given his stint in form, this was welcomed by all Lancashire fans who will have half an eye on his role in the Twenty 20 format. His removal gave Moneeb Iqbal his first of two wickets, with the second being that of Steven Croft (7) whose form continues to worry the Lancashire faithful. 

Karl Brown supported Prince as the latter passed fifty, with the Lightning closing in on the meagre target they had been set. Brown's return to the team saw him score 24 before Majeed Haq removed the 25-year-old.

Lancashire started to make the chase harder than necessary but, accompanied by Tom Smith (19*)

, Prince was able to see Lancashire home. The South-African opener really deserved a century, but a no-ball that went for four byes would deprive him of this feat. In a bizarre finale the players were uncertain of whether or not the match had finished, but indeed it had, with Lancashire emerging victorious.

Lancashire 2pts,  Scotland 0 pts.