DALE Benkenstein became Durham's all-time record run scorer as the County Championship leaders held their nerve to beat Lancashire at Aigburth.

Durham have moved 23 points clear of their opponents at the top of the table after securing a five-wicket success.

Lancashire set up a nerve-jangling finale when they reduced Durham to 101 for five at lunch.

But Benkenstein guided Durham to victory as he finished on 60 not out, receiving support from all-rounder Ian Blackwell who was unbeaten on 26.

The pair enjoyed an unbroken stand of 81, with Benkenstein passing 1,000 Championship runs for the season and dislodging Jon Lewis as the club's leading run scorer of all time.