On another dramatic final day of a County Championship season Lancashire secured their first outright title since 1934 when they successfully chased 211 during the last session at Taunton and Warwickshire were held to a draw by Hampshire. A dominant batting display in the closing hours of the summer, led by openers Stephen Moore and Paul Horton, meant Lancashire ended their 77-year wait with five overs to spare.

"The guys can be really proud today," Glen Chapple, the Lancashire captain, said. "Our team spirit has been amazing but we've played good cricket as well and won games other team wouldn't have done."

It became clear early in the day that Warwickshire were struggling to run through Hampshire in the follow-on at The Rose Bowl and Lancashire would have the title destiny in their hands. When Somerset slipped to 130 for 7 - a lead of 30 - it appeared victory would be a comfortable affair, but Lancashire rarely make things simple. Last week they stayed in the title race by claiming the last Hampshire wicket with four minutes to spare at Aigburth.

This time they came up against Peter Trego who hit his first hundred of the season while Murali Kartik, who has played for Lancashire, hit 65. The eighth and ninth wickets put on 170 as Somerset extended the lead with time also becoming a factor. However, Trego was eventually caught at short leg then No. 11 Gemaal Hussain was brilliantly run out by Gary Keedy, which could be his last piece of action for the county.

It left Lancashire needing 211 in a minimum of 28 overs, but the over-rate through the day had been good so they would get a few more. Not many, though, as Somerset slowed the game down. However, that didn't matter as Moore and Horton raced out of the blocks and added 131 in 17 overs for the first wicket. The chase was completed by the cool heads of Karl Brown and Steve Croft; two more locally-produced players who sum up the team Lancashire have forged this season. Shortly after 5pm Croft hitting the winning boundary to spark wild celebrations.