LANCASHIRE maintained their challenge for the Britannic Assurance Championship with a dramatic win over Worcestershire at Lytham last week.

Chasing 281 to win from 74 overs they won with two wickets and seven balls to spare, even after rain had reduced the number of overs to 69 and at one time looked like preventing any further play.

Worcestershire made 350 in their first innings, a total that could have been a lot less had Lancashire held their catches.

Lancashire replied with 307 - batting a man short following injury to Neil Fairbrother - and the visitors declared their second innings to close at 237 for 6, with Tom Moody making 107 not out.

Then after three and a half days of sparring the real contest began.

Atherton and Crawley gave the innings a solid start before Atherton, Flintoff and Lloyd were all despatched back to the pavilion by the time the total had reached 127.

Crawley, though, was undaunted and he remained until after team when Phil Newport struck with three quick wickets.

Crawley was bowled for an excellent 108, Watkinson, 22, was caught by Moody and Akram was bowled second ball for nought.

But Warren Hegg and Ian Austin swung things back Lancashire's way and they were still together when bad light and driving rain took the players from the field with 36 required from 12 overs.

Amazingly, the rain relented, the players returned to the field and despite the loss of Hegg for 37 and Chapple for 10, man of the match Ian Austin was still there with 44 not out when Peter Martin struck the winning runs.

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