DURHAM’S bowlers again hauled themselves back into Yorkshire Bank 40-over contest after an early mauling, finally restricting Lancashire to 216 for nine after putting them in.

As in yesterday’s match against Essex, when they conceded an opening stand of 103, they were subjected to an early barrage from Stephen Moore and South African left-hander Ashwell Prince.

When the fielding restrictions expired after eight overs they had 59 on the board and the stand was worth 73 before Prince went down the pitch to Gareth Breese and was stumped.

The innings lost its momentum as Dale Benkenstein constantly switched his bowlers, who included 21-year-old Sunderland off-spinning all-rounder Ryan Pringle.

Although he played in this competition in the home match against Hampshire at the end of last season he didn’t get to bat or bowl before rain arrived.

This time he needed dark glasses in glorious weather and unveiled an action similar to Graeme Swann’s in taking one for 14 in three tidy overs.

Ben Stokes delivered a mixed bag, gifting Lancashire four early overthrows and bowling a bouncer which ballooned over Phil Mustard’s head for four byes, but also including two maidens in taking one for 33 in eight overs.

He bowled Moore for 46 with an in-swinging yorker, while Mark Wood again impressed and moved one away from Australian left-hander Simon Katich, Lancashire’s acting captain, to have him caught behind.

There were three late wickets for Chris Rushworth, all taken with short balls as he generally bowled full-length in-swingers to a packed leg-side field.