LANCASHIRE were facing a tough battle to secure their third consecutive Championship win at Southampton today with Hampshire fighting a brave rearguard action.

John Crawley's rejuvenated team seemed to be heading for a comfortable win yesterday morning when Andy Flintoff grabbed the one remaining wicket in Hampshire's first innings to complete career best figures of five for 24.

But following on 311 runs behind, Hampshire's batsmen frustrated the Lancashire bowlers to such an extent that they were able to go ahead early today.

Openers Jason Laney and Derek Kenway put on 212 - the highest partnership for any wicket for Hampshire against Lancashire.

Muttiah Muralitharan broke their stand when he deceived Laney in the flight, and soon afterwards he combined with Peter Martin to run out Kenway for 92 after a mix-up with Will Kendall.

When Murali had Kendall caught by Crawley for a duck to claim his 50th first class wicket for Lancashire - in his 10th innings - Hampshire had lost three wickets without scoring a run.

But Robin Smith linked up with Giles White to frustrate Lancashire for the rest of the third day, leaving them in need of quick wickets on the last day today.

And that was no easy task on a flat, easy-paced Northlands Road pitch.

Lancashire are guaranteed to take at least 12 points from the game after claiming maximum bonus points and with four added for a draw. But they really needed an extra eight for a win after mid-table rivals Durham and Sussex won their matches yesterday.

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