LONDON. Sept 8 (Internet report): Glen Chapple struck two early blows for Lancashire today in their battle to claim the PPP healthcare championship runners-up spot against fellow contenders Kent at Old Trafford.

The former England A seamer dismissed openers Ed Smith and Robert Key in an opening spell of 6-0-25-2 to restrict Kent to 21 for two after they decided to bat in a game both sides need to win to stay in contention of the £45.000 prize money for finishing second in the table.

Lancashire, who He fourth just three points adrift of second-placed Leicestershire and four points ahead of fifth-Elaced Kent, suffered an early low with England opener Michael Atherton withdrawing after suffering a blow on his foot during Monday’s CGU National League victory over Hampshire.

But his loss failed to disrupt Lancashire's"tnomentum after . seven unbeaten matches and Chapple took just three balls to make the first breakthrough, outwitting ■'Key with a slower ball which was clipped straight to Chris Schofield at cover.

Four overs later Chapple struck again to remove Smith, who was caught expertly down the leg-side by wicketkeeper Warren Hegg as he attempted to flick the ball through midwicket.

Alan Wells went on the offensive, however, and with a series of flamboyant shots, forged an unbroken half-century partnership with Andrew Symonds in Just 12 overs to steer Kent to a promising 90 for two after 20 overs.

. Wells announced his intentions by driving Peter Martin over his head for the first six of the day. a feat he repeated off successive balls when off-spin-ner Gary Yates replaced Chapple from the Warwick Road End.

Yates found turn and bounce from an early stage of his spell, but it failed to prevent Wells lofting him over long on for consecutive sixes to bring up the 50 partnership in stunning style.