It would have been nice to stave off relegation Steve Rhodes

Lancashire were an agonising two wickets away from beating Worcestershire but the resultant draw leaves both sides set for relegation.

Worcestershire will definitely play in Division Two in 2005.

When Lancashire meet Gloucestershire in the final round of matches only a thumping win for the Red Rose county will see them avoid the drop.

Worcestershire, needing 294 to win on Sunday, were 199-8 when stumps were drawn at New Road.

Ben Smith hit 50 but nobody else could match his efforts with the wickets shared around.

Earlier, Lancashire had declared their second innings on 242-6 with some big hitting from Carl Hooper and Glen Chapple.

Worcestershire's acting captain Steve Rhodes, who is retiring after this season, expressed his disappointment after the county lost their Division One status.

"It was a shame about the circumstances and it would have been nice to stave off relegation," he said.

"The guys gave it their all for me and it just hasn't worked out."

Worcestershire chairman John Elliott added: "I have seen some great players but to me Steve Rhodes has been one of the best performers you could ever wish to watch.

"He is the perfect role model, the heart and soul of our club, a great team member and today, for the last time, fighting for his county not to lose a game."

Worcestershire: S D Peters, S C Moore, G A Hick, B F Smith, Kadeer Ali, A J Bichel, A J Hall, S J Rhodes (Capt, Wkt), R W Price, M S Mason, S A Khalid.

Lancashire: M J Chilton, I J Sutcliffe, M B Loye, S G Law, C L Hooper, A R Crook, W K Hegg (Capt, Wkt), G Chapple, D G Cork, S I Mahmood, G Keedy.