GRAHAM Lloyd is back in business.

The 29-year-old Lancashire batsman has been through the horrors so far this season, managing only 70 run from six Championship innings.

But the old Lloyd returned in the second innings of the match against Nottinghamshire to set up a tense last-day finish.

Lloyd, who was on a king pair after suffering a golden duck in the first innings, responded by sweeping his first ball off Notts spinner Richard Stemp.

He later hit Stemp for 14 in a single over, with two leg-side fours and straight six, on his way to his first half century of the season from 62 balls and out of only 63 runs scored when he was at the crease.

Coach Dave Whatmore said: "I was very happy for Graham because I know how difficult it has been for him these last few weeks.

"It was very pleasing to see his contribution throughout the day in difficult circumstances."

Lancashire slumped into trouble at 17 for two in their bid for a tough victory target of 332, and seemed to be heading for a third consecutive Championship defeat.

But then skipper John Crawley steadied the ship with a classy 49, and although he just missed out on his first 50 of the season when he was bowled around his legs trying to sweep Stemp, Lloyd took up with baton with determined support from Mike Watkinson.

Meanwhile, Lancashire have called powerful young pacemen Paul Ridgway into the squad for the Lightning's first home CGU National League game of the season against Worcestershire Royals at Old Trafford tomorrow. Ridgway stands by for Glen Chapple, who has been suffering from a side strain in the Championship match. NOTTS 181 all out (Martin 5-43) and 291 all out (Gallian 120no, Keedy 5-67)

Lancs 141 (Drakes 4-55, Franks 4-24)

LANCS

Second innings

Wood c Read b Franks ... 0

Childton lbw b Franks ... 2

Crawley b Stemp ... 49

McKeown lbw b Stemp ... 27

Lloyd not out ... 98

Watkinson lbw b Stemp ... 28

Hegg lbw b Stemp ... 8

Chapple not out ... 1

Extras ... 28

Total (65 overs) ... 241-6 SCOREBOARD

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