Chapple stars as Bears collapse

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION ONE, Old Trafford:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY ONE: Warwickshire 148, Lancashire 126-4 (Lancs 4pts, Warwicks 1 pt)
23-26 September

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Glen Chapple's career-best 7-53 came against Durham at Blackpool in 2007

Lancashire skipper Glen Chapple enjoyed the starring role at Old Trafford as he took 6-19 against Warwickshire to edge his side close to Division One safety.

Warwickshire, still seeking runners-up spot in the County Championship, were rolled for 148 after winning the toss.

But for a seventh-wicket stand between Neil Carter (59) and Jim Troughton (48) the Bears would have been in a worse mess, Lancashire finishing on 126-4.

Chapple's figures were the third best of his career for the county.

His best figures, 7-53, came in the County Championship against Durham at Blackpool two years ago.

But his best remembered performance was the 6-18 he took to destroy Essex at Lord's in the 1996 Natwest Trophy final.

Five of his six wickets were caught by either wicketkeeper Luke Sutton or slips Paul Horton and VVS Laxman as Chapple took advantage of helpful conditions and poor batting after the Bears had chosen to bat.

Lancashire's three bowling bonus points mean that, if they reach 350 on Thursday and claim four batting points, Peter Moores' side will be safe from the drop.

They made a sketchy start, losing opener Paul Horton leg before in the seventh over.

Fit-again Tom Smith was then brilliantly caught by visiting skipper Ian Westwood at short-leg on his return for 23.

And Mal Loye was needlessly run out by Neil Carter, who saw the veteran dozing at the non-striker's end while fielding at mid-on.

From 45-3, V V S Laxman and Chilton shared a stabilising fourth-wicket stand of 65 in 20 overs.

Chilton was trapped in front by Clarke to leave Lancashire 110-4 in the 39th. But the home side closed with Laxman well set on 53, his eighth score of 50 or more in Championship cricket this season..

But, while Chapple deserved top billing, the final story of the day was one that the assembled cricket broadcasters and writers present were able to tell about themselves.

Play had to come to a close four overs early due to the sun shining off the Media Centre roof at the Stretford End.