DURHAM failed to fully capitalise on their early wickets in today's top-of-the-table County Championship clash at Chester-le-Street.
Lancashire's number four Mark Chilton was at the crease before his side had reached double figures, but steadied the ship with opener Paul Horton.
The Australian-born batsman was 57 not out when the players came off at lunch, with Lancashire 86-3.
He lost Chilton shortly before the interval for 12, caught by Michael Di Venuto when his edged drive looped up off Phil Mustard. But their 77-run stand had saved Lancashire from a much less comfortable position.
Durham had made good use of the new ball in helpful conditions after winning the toss.
Graham Onions and Callum Thorp both pitched it up and were rewarded with swing on an overcast morning which saw a brief shower swirl across the ground at one point.
Despite having been forced to sit out the innings victory at Warwickshire, Onions was on the mark instantly. He jagged the first ball of the match in to Horton, who survived the lbw appeal.
Instead it was Thorp who took the game's first wicket, assisted by a good catch from Scott Borthwick at third slip. He got the ball to bounce a little extra and perhaps leave Stephen Moore. Borthwick clung on two-handed to his right. His four was the only runs scored at that point.
Watched by England selector James Whittaker as England consider who should replace James Anderson in the second Test, Onions soon had a wicket of his own. Brown drove at a full ball and edged straight into the midriff of second slip Di Venuto to leave the Red Rose wilting at 9-2.
Horton was fortunate to make it past one, his edge narrowly evading Gordon Muchall at first slip.
But he dug in, and when he pulled a four in the 23rd over, it brought up the 50 partnership. Former Durham University captain Chilton had contributed just seven runs, supplemented by four extras.
Horton guided over the slips for his seventh four to bring up his personal half-century off 87 deliveries.
He was fortunate not to go to the last ball of the session, when his stab at Ian Blackwell flew just out of reach of short leg Will Smith.
For a full report of the first day's play, read Monday's Journal.
