GLEN Chapple certainly knows when to produce the goods.

Last year Lancs looked all but relegated as they headed to defeat at the hands of Kent at Liverpool in the penultimate game of the season.

Then Chapple produced a stunning display of bowling to claim 6-40 as the Red Rose secured an amazing win which helped them maintain their top-flight status.

Lancashire were in desperate need of something special again yesterday as they began their final Championship match of the season needing seven points to avoid dropping out of Division One.

And once again Chapple, this time with the added burden of the captaincy, provided as he registered the second best figures of his 18-year career.

His 6-19 devastated a strong Warwickshire batting line-up which included Ashes heroes Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott, with the visitors dismissed for 148 within just 45 overs having won the toss.

Target of 350

That gave the Red Rose three of the seven points they need, meaning a first innings reply of 350 or more will be enough to keep them up irrespective of what Sussex, who are in the final relegation slot, do in their game at Nottinghamshire.

That target it still some way off, however, with Lancashire resuming today on 126-4 having lost Paul Horton, Tom Smith, Mark Chilton and Mal Loye – who was sloppily run out while backing up after a brilliant direct hit from Neil Carter.

But VVS Laxman looked in imperious form as he ended the day, which finished four overs early because of sunlight reflecting off the media centre at the Stretford End into the player’s eyes, unbeaten on 53.

Remarkably, it is the fifth time 35-year-old Chapple has taken six wickets or more in an innings in September – the business end of the campaign. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“I have had a few texts today which revolve around me only trying in September!” said Chapple.

“It was important today that we had a serious game plan and we bowled well.

“350 would be great, and we are in a position now where batting well means we could put a sizeable total together.

Prize money

“I think we were a bit more comfortable than 126-4 suggests. There were a couple of unlucky and soft dismissals.”

Chapple claimed three wickets in seven deliveries, including that of Carter who made 59 off 43 balls in his 73-run seventh-wicket partnership with James Troughton before edging to Laxman at second slip having just hit a six off the Lancs skipper.

Kyle Hogg and Tom Smith were also impressive, as was Lancashire’s fielding which kept the pressure on the visitors.

Victory for Warwickshire could see them finish second, but a win for Lancs would not only keep them up but could even put them fourth and earn them £35,000 in prize money.

And considering the injuries they have had this year, that wouldn’t be a bad result in Peter Moores’ first year in charge and Chapple’s maiden season as skipper.

“There’s only Durham who have won a number of games this year, the next best is three wins,” said Chapple.

“It’s not a surprise that if you’re not up there, you’re going to be fighting relegation.

“We’ve been playing good cricket, we’ve had seven straight draws in seven games on reasonably unresponsive pitches.

“Our full strength side’s a good one.”

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