LANCASHIRE Under 15s started their annual tour to the South West with a disappointing seven wicket defeat against Cornwall at Perranporth CC.

Lancashire, batting first, were bowled out for 144 (Gareth Cross 64) and Cornwall had no trouble in reaching that target for the loss of three wickets (Graham Barry 2-14).

Lancashire fared better in their match beating Cornwall Under 16s by 32 runs at St Austell CC. Adam Parker (Blackpool) top scored with 34 out of Lancashire's 143-6 and Cornwall were bowled out for 111 mainly thanks to John Wildman (Liverpool), who took 3-22 and Cross (Salford), who claimed five victims behind the stumps - four stumpings and one catch.

Cross was also in fine form in the drawn match against Hampshire at Tidworth CC.

He top scored with 58 out of Lancashire's 148-6 declared, but Hampshire held out for a draw finishing on 87-9 (Byron Hughes 3-27, Zac Walker 3-27).

Lancashire continue their programme by meeting Cumbria at Little Lever CC today. Lancashire Under 18s open their campaign with a challenge match against Cumbria at Bolton Indians CC also today.

The full squad is: Martin Ainscough (Bolton), Jonathan Clare (Burnley), James Cole (Sefton), Philip Hayes (Bury), Jack Kelliher (Lytham), Ben Morgan (Lancaster), Stephen Parry (Tameside), Warren Quinn (Lancaster), Tom Smith (Chorley), Ben Tighe (Tameside), Paul Tonge (Bolton), Christopher Tye (Bolton), Nicholas Woods (Bolton), Chris Whelan (Liverpool), Thomas Young (Tameside).

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