Lancs rally but is it enough?

1:30am Friday 19th September 2008

LANCASHIRE look like they are heading for defeat against Kent and possible County Championship relegation, despite a much improved day two display at Liverpool.

The Red Rose county will have to produce a bowling master-class to pull their penultimate game of the season out of the fire on Merseyside today.

Kent, who were bowled out for 233 in their first innings reply to the home side’s 107, later reduced Lancashire to 257-7 – a fragile-looking lead of 131.

Stuart Law helped Lancashire post a better second innings batting display than they demonstrated in the first with a patient 127-ball 79, while Bolton’s Karl Brown hit an encouraging 40.

But Kent bowler Amjad Khan claimed three wickets to keep a firm grip on the game for the visitors, despite Glen Chapple’s late 28 not out.

If they lose, Lancashire could have to go to title-chasing Somerset next week under immense pressure. But at least there was more spirit shown on day two with both bat and ball.

Oliver Newby completed figures of 4-79 from 19 overs in the morning session, as Chapple claimed 3-61 from 19, to restrict the men from Canterbury to a first innings lead of 126.

Former South African international Justin Kemp, now playing as a Kolpak, hit a patient 82-ball unbeaten 56 for Kent.

Lancashire will be hoping to see Chapple continue with the bat in improved confitions. He is currently in the midst of an eighth-wicket partnership of 39 with Tom Smith.

Law was batting with great constraint in his attempt to rescue his side, but was absolutely furious with himself when he steered Ryan McLaren to Amjad at third man.

Lancashire will present their plans for the redevelopment of Old Trafford to Trafford Council on Monday evening.

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