PAUL Horton hit 97 to guide Lancashire to a dramatic four-wicket victory over Gloucestershire in a high-scoring Clydesdale Bank 40 contest at Cheltenham yesterday.

His excellent innings keeps alive his side’s outside chance of qualifying from Group C.

Chasing 291 for victory, Lancashire were also indebted to Tom Smith and big-hitting Oliver Newby, who smashed 77 and 35 not out respectively.

But it was Horton’s 90-ball innings that made the difference, with the Australian-born batsman finishing unbeaten just three runs short of his hundred as Lancashire won with just 11 balls to spare.

Alex Gidman, Chris Taylor and Ian Cockbain earlier contributed quick-fire half centuries as Gloucestershire won the toss and posted an imposing 290-4 on a typically flat Cheltenham pitch.

Eager to stamp his authority from the outset, skipper Gidman took full advantage of the fielding restrictions to register eight fours as Lancashire’s bowlers struggled to find their line and length.

He added 76 in 10 overs with fellow opener Hamish Marshall and a further 74 with New Zealander Kane Williamson before Simon Kerrigan forced an error and he was caught at the wicket for an 82-ball 76.

In reply, Lancashire were 52-3 and under pressure but Horton, Smith and Newby provided the runs that guided the Red Rose county to victory. Horton’s innings included nine fours.