With Sussex having wrapped up a comfortable victory over already-relegated Worcestershire at Hove before lunch, Lancashire needed to complete a 489-run chase to win their first outright championship since 1934.
VVS Laxman’s 100 had done much for the Lancashire cause but the loss of Stuart Law (79) and Steve Croft (45) just before tea looked to have tipped the balance against them.
They were still theoretically in the hunt going into the final session of the final match of the season with five wickets remaining and 181 runs needed.
Luke Sutton (32), Glen Chapple (29) and Sajid Mahmood (26) made useful contributions as Lancashire inched forwards - but it was Cork who took them closest.
The former England all-rounder made 47 in fading sunshine and the win was in his hands until he played on, swiping at a Murtaza Hussain delivery.
Sussex - who were winners by an innings and 14 runs against Worcestershire - successfully defended their title with much of the credit due to Mushtaq Ahmed.
With Moeen Ali (85) and Gareth Batty (84) threatening to make the home side work much harder than anticipated at Hove, Mushtaq stepped in to take both wickets on the way to match figures of 13 for 225.
What is your verdict on the action? Have your say.
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seagull, brighton (23/09/2007 at 00:05)
a fantastic effort today by the red roses but not enough.
lost by 20 odd runs but don't forget that surrey declared early.
don't blame the weather again.
manchester may be the home of a fantastic football team over many many years but brighton and hove is now the home of the best cricket team in england... 3 titles in 5 years.
having a huge membership / support base doesn't provide success in all sports.
congratulations to sussex.