By ANDREW McGLASHAN

LANCASHIRE are struggling to avoid their first defeat of the season in all competitions after following-on against Kent at Tunbridge Wells.

But a counterattacking partnership of 153 between Glen Chappel and Steven Crook rescued the Red Rose side from 135 for 5 and a possible three-day defeat.

Both players passed 50, Chappel from 104 balls and Crook reaching his maiden first-class half-century off 81 deliveries, with a six over deep square-leg.

However, Andrew Symonds caught and bowled Crook (68) just before the close to make sure Kent remained firmly in control.

Mike Watkinson was pleased with the way the team fought.

"We battled really hard," he said.

"There were one or two soft wickets in there but perhaps that's what happens when you follow-on."

They were made to bat again after being dismissed for 307 in their first innings. Warren Hegg fell to a spectacular catch by Symonds as he ran back from square-leg and dived at full length to cling onto the ball with one hand as it came over his shoulder.

Lancashire's second attempt started poorly as Iain Sutcliffe (10) was lbw to Alangir Sheriyar and Mark Chilton (25) played a loose drive at Min Patel's third ball and was caught at slip.

Any hope the visitors had of making a game of it rested with Mal Loye and Stuart Law. But after reaching 34, Loye was pinned lbw by Symonds, having earlier been recalled to the crease with him halfway back to the pavilion, after umpire Graham Burgess reversed a caught behind decision. Law (48) then followed, another victim of Patel, taken at slip attempting to cut.