Captain Vilas hits century in epic run chase to lift Lancashire off the bottom

At Southport Lancashire (161 & 317-6) bt Worcestershire (222 & 252) by four wickets Lancashire gave their Division One survival chances a huge boost by edging a thrilling clash yesterday.

A century from captain Dane Vilas was the key contribution as the South African guided his team to an improbable four-wicket win after an unbroken century stand alongside Josh Bohannon.

Worcestershire had looked the most likely to force a win for much of the match and, indeed, the day, but the efforts of Lancashire’s middle order ensured they grabbed what could be a pivotal victory.

Lancashire resumed eight for none, chasing 314 to win. It was a daunting target, especially as the highest total in the game at that point was Worcestershire’s secondinnings 252. It was also the record successful chase at Southport, beating Durham’s 247 in 2016.

Lancashire’s morning started badly, nightwatchman Toby Lester run out from their 13th ball of the day.

Haseeb Hameed grafted hard before striking three boundaries in quick succession to move to 14. But Ed Barnard struck twice in an over to have Hameed and then Rob Jones, who bagged a pair, caught behind.

When Alex Davies departed for a swift 30, Worcestershire had dominated the morning and appeared on the cusp of a victory charge with Lancashire 96 for four at lunch.

Yet the afternoon belonged to the home side and, in particular, to Vilas. He shared successive halfcentury partnerships, first with Steven Croft and then with Jordan Clark. But the South African’s best partnership was still to come and he finished unbeaten on 107 as Bohannon made a faultless 78 not out in just his second first-class match. The partnership was worth 139 by the time they had taken Lancashire over the line.

Lancashire take 19 points, lifting themselves off the foot of the table and above Worcestershire, who are now bottom.

Vilas said: “We knew it was going to be tough chasing that on the last day. But it’s really crucial at this stage to get over the line and that’s a massive win for us. Thankfully it was my day. I knew that I had to kick on and see the boys home.”