MARK Chilton scored his first century of the season as Lancashire's game against Middlesex at Lord's petered out into a draw.

The opener, who last season hit six Championship tons, made 103 before he was caught by Ed Joyce off Paul Weekes. He added 105 with Mal Loye (60) and 113 with Stuart Law (91).

Once Lancashire had reached lunch with just two wickets down the afternoon proceedings became rather academic, as Lancashire were happy to settle for a draw and didn't contemplate setting Middlesex a run-chase.

However, it was an important day for Chilton.

Before the game he acknowledged that he needed a big score, as his season hadn't really got going.

Last year the 27-year-old was overshadowed by the batting feats of Law, Hooper and Loye, but his compilation of 1,154 runs was perhaps the most rewarding as it came from a Lancashire lad who made the most of his ability.

Before this century he played well on a difficult pitch against Staffordshire last week but had tended to get out after doing the hard work.

But he felt it would only take one good innings to get back to the run scoring form of 2003 and yesterday's knock was the gritty affair he needed.

In all Chilton faced 251 balls and struck 12 fours to ensure that Lancashire's first innings collapse was no more than a blip for their run hungry batting line-up.