Spin maestro Stephen Parry insisted Lancashire securing their first one-day win of the campaign was more important than personal success after writing himself into Red Rose history.
Parry claimed a career-best 5-17 as Lancashire defended 176-9 with Surrey falling seven runs short after finding no answer to the home side’s trial by spin.
And Parry – who now holds the club’s joint second-best List A bowling figures of all time – was also keen to point to his contribution with the bat.
“It is right up there with anything I have done in my career. But to me the most important thing is winning,” he told Lancashire’s official website.
“It was an amazing win and it is always nice to have an impact. To come on and get wickets, especially after the start they made, was great.
“But I enjoyed the batting more. People think I am batting down there just to get knocked over, but deep down I rate myself as a batsman
“I think batting is my love, but I am better at bowling.”
Lancashire’s top-order failed to fire as they slumped to 59-5 with Brown the only batsman to generate any form of momentum.
He was last man out for 80 after gaining lower-order support from Gareth Cross, Kyle Hogg and Parry, who finished unbeaten on 23.
Gareth Batty chalked up three wickets for the visitors after Gary Keedy – who spent 18 years at Old Trafford – bowled Wayne White with his first delivery.
In reply, Surrey raced out the blocks with Steven Davies smashing five boundaries as the visitors finished the Powerplay 60-0.
However, they only managed 41 runs for the loss of five wickets from the next 19 overs as spinners Parry, Steven Croft and Simon Kerrigan bowled in tandem.
Parry was Lancashire’s catalyst, claiming his first four wickets for the concession of only six runs, although Chris Adams’ side steadied the ship through Zander de Bruyn and Batty.
South African de Bruyn led the way with a patient 37 but fell to White – who picked up four wickets – with Surrey still requiring 33 for victory.
And Lancashire secured their first limited overs victory of the season despite receiving a six-run penalty for a slow over rate with Parry keen to praise the contribution of Brown.
“Browny’s knock was great, he went on to score big and not one of their batsmen did and that was the difference,” he added.
“We were losing wickets all the time and to still go at a run a ball is impressive.
“It was crucial that one guy got in and stayed there, put runs on the board and set us up for victory.
“It was great to bat with him. We have known each other since we were 12 and now we are out there playing together for Lancashire.”
Lightning sit fourth in the Yorkshrie Bank 40 Group B standings with this victory and face leaders Hampshire Royals at the Ageus Bowl on Wednesday.
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