MIKE Watkinson was ripping his hair out after yet another day of nasty northern weather wrecked Lancashire's chances of victory at Blackpool.
Torrential rain submerged Stanley Park on the final day of their County Championship clash with Warwickshire reeling.
But at least Lancashire didn't lose any ground in the race for their first outright title in 72 years. Closest rivals Sussex were unable to bowl out Hampshire at Hove yesterday and had to also settle for a draw.
With two games left, it is now a two-horse race with the top two level on points.
Lancashire face Durham at Old Trafford next week and Hampshire at the Rose Bowl in their final match, while Sussex begin the penultimate match tomorrow against Kent at Canterbury and then travel to Nottinghamshire.
Lancashire bounced back well from their C&G Trophy defeat at Blackpool with a good all-round performance, but the weather is still a concern.
"I have said before that when we talked about relocation to Wigan and South Manchester, I never, ever heard the South of France mentioned," joked cricket manager Watkinson.
Weather
"It is not the first time we have had to deal with the weather, and it certainly won't be the last."
It seems that the title could go to the side which manages to avoid most bad weather.
"It is disappointing for the lads that their efforts haven't been rewarded, even though we had the early parts of the game affected," said Watkinson.
"From there on in, we managed to manipulate the game with some good cricket to set up a good final day where we would have pushed for the win."
The visitors, whose batting looked wafer thin, had already started their second innings having been blasted out for 231 in reply to Lancs' 456-9 declared.
Lancashire, meanwhile, still don't know whether they will be playing the remainder of the season with spinner Kartik Murali or Australian Brad Hodge.
"We are still waiting to hear a definite message from Cricket Australia," explained Watkinson. "It is now going to drag on."
And Lancs are struggling to stay afloat in the Nat West Pro40 Division One after a washout against Northamptonshire at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Lancs now lie bottom of the table.
Do you think Lancs will win the title? Have your say.
Comments
Login or Register to comment
I'm sick of Lancashire moaning about the weather. We've been playing in the same weather conditions for the past 150 years!! And Okay, so Mike Watkinson's team lost points in this particular match because of it - but Lancashire had been "running out of steam" anyway and were in no position to win the other rain interrupted games. So stop this year on whinging and just GET ON WITH IT!
An amazing effort by the Lancy Lads bearing in mind the weather, injuries and England call ups. Everyone who can, should head to the Rose Bowl to cheer on the lads in the final fixture.
A bit harsh that, Mark, if I may say so. Few members give too much of a stuff about the one-day pyjama rubbish, it's the County Championship we care about. And, despite what you say, we're still in with a shout!
If ever a team deserves to win the Championship it is Lancashire. Throughout my 31 years as Official scorer to Hampshire, I was a closet Lanky fan, now I have moved to the county on retirement I am now 100% behind the Old Trafford boys, and will be a member next season.
We just have to beat the weather, so a win at the Rose Bowl where it hardly eber rains, will be a bonus.
Vic Isaacs
Come on Lancy you can do it