They were the best one-day team in the country at the beginning of the campaign, but then suffered the heartbreak of a Friends Provident Trophy semi-final defeat and the agony of a bowl-out loss at the hands of Somerset in the quarter-final of the Twenty20 Cup.
Bad weather scuppered any real hopes of a Pro40 Division Two title challenge, and, despite being in the top four of the Championship for most of the season, seven successive draws and an injury crisis in the bowling department left them battling against relegation going into the final match of the season.
But they produced their best performance of the campaign against Warwickshire at Old Trafford to secure a win which saw them finish fourth.
Here, Chris Ostick rates the Red Rose players on their performances this year.
CHAPPLE - Some players struggle to cope with the burden of captaincy - not Chapple. Led the side well in all forms, producing with both ball and bat. If he hadn't missed seven weeks with a foot injury, Lancashire probably wouldn't have been dragged into a relegation scrap. 8
CHILTON - Bounced back well following last season's agonies and a move down the order has suited him, but needs to convert more good starts into hundreds. 7
CROFT - Disappointing campaign for last season's player of the year. Barely got a bowl and failed to hold down a regular slot in the Championship side. He hasn't kicked on from last year but is still a top fielder. 5
CROSS - Once again unable to force Luke Sutton out of the Championship side and failed to score the volume of runs in one-day cricket. Now 25, he needs to be playing first-class cricket soon if he is to fulfil his potential. 5
DU PLESSIS - Made two brilliant centuries in one-day cricket and again showed why he is one of the best fielders in the world. But for the second successive year was unable to reach three figures in the Championship which isn't good enough for a No. 6. May not be back if Kolpak rules are changed. 7
HOGG - Best season of his career and is starting to deliver on the promise he showed when he first signed. Earned a long run in the Championship side and revelled in the responsibility of taking the new ball in the one-day game. Chipped in with runs too and was the main beneficiary of the decision to release Dominic Cork last season. 7
HORTON - Finally secured his place in the one-day side but has struggled to switch between limited overs and Championship cricket. His 173 against Somerset, however, showed he has started to get to grips with the problem and should bounce back even stronger next year. 7
KEEDY - Another solid season for the spinner, who didn't let his benefit year distract him and earned an England Lions call-up. However, he failed to produce regular match-winning performances on helpful tracks. Only ever-present in every Championship and one-day match this season. 6
LAXMAN - Pure class. Scored four centuries and averaged over 60 in the Championship, and shored up the top-order more than once. Majestic to watch and a great addition to the dressing room. May not fancy another long stint in county cricket though. 8
LOYE - Battled back from a knee injury and a nightmare 2008 to finish top run scorer in the Championship and says he is in the form of his life. Looks set to join Northants and will be difficult to replace. 7
MAHMOOD - His pace troubled most batsmen and his consistency is getting better. Along with Chapple, he provides a fearsome opening bowling attack in the Championship but needs to contribute more with the bat. Set for a place on England Performance Squad. 8
NEWBY - With Cork gone, had a great chance this year to cement his place in the side. Bowled a lot of overs, especially when Chapple, Smith and Mahmood were all injured but still struggling to produce best form week in, week out. 5
PARRY - Young spinner has made a terrific start to his first-team career and was the best bowler in one-day cricket. Showed his maturity by bowling at the death and wasn't afraid to open the batting in just his second Championship game. Plenty more to come. 7
PRINCE - Another quality overseas signing, settled in quickly and left the club in a good position when he joined up with South Africa. Good in the field, a quick runner and would be welcomed back with open arms. 7
SMITH - His move to opener was Peter Moores' first big surprise of the season and a tough ask of the youngster. After a sticky start he has grown into the role and provided balance in the side. Solid once again with the ball, especially in one-day cricket. 7
SUTTON - Steady with the gloves, but a top score of 45 this season isn't good enough for a wicketkeeper of his experience. Handled the captaincy well while Chapple was injured. 5
Also played - Jimmy Anderson, Karl Brown, Andrew Flintoff, Tom Lungley, Steven Mullaney and Luke Procter.
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I had my say on the season's performances yesterday. Needless to say, I don't agree with all of these marks. Chapple (my player of the season) should have a 9 but I can't see what Du Plessis, Hogg and Mahmood have done to justify such high marks.
How can Mal not get a 10? He was 4 short of 1000 runs?
Did Chris Ostick actually watch any of the Championship games which is what counts its about being the best and providing the best players for England at the same time. Durham who were a Minor County have done this balancing trick again. Du Plessis (7!!!!) occupied the best batting spot for far too long, never ever deserving the long contract the now Director of Cricket gave him. No other county would be in the slightest bit interested in him if he was released, worse still I dont think a decent club side would be either as his bowling is weak. Why will Loye be leaving
Hear hear to much of that. Tom Smith is NOT an opener, despite us members being told by the coach that he is, comments unfortunately echoed by Mr Ostick. If Du Plessis were not to return he would not be missed, and that says a lot. Croft was the big disappointment this year. A cricketer of undoubted talent, he must return to the form he showed in 2008. Mr Ostick is right about Gareth Cross, he will leave unless the coach shows the faith in him his talent deserves. Sutton has under-achieved with the bat and Cross must be given a run in the side next season.
Cross and Croft must be given regular first-team cricket next season. Du Plessis and Mahmood are overrated by Chris Ostick. Both have talent and were given plenty of chances but neither performed consistently enough. Hogg, Parry and Smith progressed well but Newby failed to impose himself as a front-line seamer.
Peter Moores has a lot of work to do over the winter. Even with a top overseas player we are still 2-3 class batsmen short especially as Mal Loye has left. There is also room for a strike bowler. Mahmood is our only really quick bowler and genuine pace is needed at both ends if we are to knock First Division teams over.