JULY 27: Discarded England all-rounder Andy Flintoff powered Lancashire into the semifinals of the NatWest Trophy with a match-winning 135 not out off just 111 balls against Surrey at The Oval on Wednesday.The big 22-year-old batsman smashed four sixes and 19 fours, hitting 18 runs off one over from Ben Hollioake, as Lancashire raced past Surrey's 210 for seven for the loss of only two wickets with no fewer than 14 overs to spare.Flintoff plundered his first century in the 50-over competition off only 88 deliveries, dominating a second-wicket stand of 190 with India's Saurav Ganguly (51).They had come together without a run on the board after England opener Mike Atherton had been bowled by Alex Tudor for nought.Lancashire captain John Crawley described the Flintoff fireworks as ``one of the best-ever innings in One-day domestic cricket''.Former England captain David Gower said it was one of the most `awesome' he had ever witnessed.Surrey, who are top of both the County championship and national league division two, went into the game after 12 successive wins.They were given a solid start by Alec Stewart (49) and Ian Ward (28), who put on 80 for the opening wicket.But after that Graham Thorpe (55) made the only other significant contribution as Lancashire's England-contracted leg-spinner Chris Schofield broke the back of the Surrey innings with four for 41 in his 10 overs.In next month's semifinals Lancashire will be away to holders Gloucestershire, who beat Northamptonshire by 62 runs at Bristol.Opener Tim Hancock provided the platform for their 280 for eight with a competition-best 110 off 131 balls, including two sixes and eight fours.Dominic Hewson (39) shared in a first-wicket stand of 69 before Kim Barnett (51) helped Hancock add 121 for the second wicket.Northants replied with 219 for nine, Tony Penberthy making the top score of 54.Australian all-rounder Ian Harvey finished with four for 37and Martyn Ball three for 39.
