Cricket: Durham struggle before the rain.

Byline: By JEFF BOWRON

RUN-outs and rain frustrated Durham on the first day of their important LV County Championship match against Lancashire at the Riverside.

An early lunch was taken at 12pm today as the first session of the second day against Lancashire was wiped out.

Sunshine had replaced rain at the Riverside but the ground staff had to be given time to improve a saturated outfield.

Openers Michael Di Venuto and Mark Stoneman yesterday ran themselves out and overseas star Shiv Chanderpaul's disappointing four-day form continued with a 10-ball duck.

The West Indies' leading batsman has scored only 135 runs in eight Championship innings since he rejoined Durham this summer after hitting the heights in international cricket.

When rain prevented any further play just 11 overs into the afternoon session, Durham had recovered to reach 142-3 after 40 overs.

Captain Dale Benkenstein said: "The way this summer has gone it does not feel like we have got out of April.

"It was poor cricket for the two run-outs, especially for Mark who was batting very well and close to his half-century.

"Shiv then got what appeared to be a tough lbw decision as the ball did not look as though it was coming back enough.

"However, I am happy to have reached 142 before the rain came - but it should have been for one wicket rather than three."

Stoneman had plundered 18 runs from Dominic Cork's first over of the day, but then unwittingly played a part in Di Venuto's downfall.

Di Venuto's straight drive off Cork ricocheted off Stoneman and into the offside, but when the Australian attempted to nick a single he was unable to get back into his ground and was undone by Stephen Croft's throw.

Stoneman had struck nine boundaries in an impressive 47 when he attempted to take a second run following a drive.

Cork's direct hit saw Stoneman depart for the pavilion, and Durham lost another wicket just before lunch to leave them on 100-3.

Chanderpaul was struck on the pad half forward to seamer Tom Smith and was adjudged out by Richard Illingworth.

There were no further scares for the Riversiders before the weather intervened to end proceedings at 1.50.

Will Smith continued his good form with a 112-ball half century, his fifth in the Championship this summer, which included nine fours.

CAPTION(S):

TOUGH: Chanderpaul