Lancashire targeting memorable anniversary.

Moores prior to Lancashire's t20 quarter final versus Hampshire. 

The 2013 season proved to be a memorable one for Lancashire, winning the Division Two title with conviction, but the Red Rose County are hoping that their 150^th anniversary will mark further silverware in limited overs cricket after a series of near-misses in recent years.

In last seasons FLt20 campaign the Lightning met their match at the Ageas Bowl and, in a thrilling quarter-final, were eliminated by the narrowest of margins as Michael Carberry’s century led Hampshire to a one-run victory.

Further disappointment came in 2012 in the YB40 competition, as Lancashire were beaten at home by Warwickshire in the semi-finals, subsequently missing out on a trip to Lords.

Despite having one of the best t20 records in the country, winning the most games (62) since the tournaments introduction, Lancashire have never managed to win the campaign in its ten-year history.

Hampshire have also won 62 matches since 2003, but have managed to win the tournament twice in 2010 and 2012, reaching finals-day on four consecutive occasions.

But, speaking at the clubs 150^th anniversary forum, Coach, Peter Moores, made it clear that he hopes this season will fulfil the clubs potential.

Lancashire celebrate after winning the Division Two Title.

“We've got very close to winning a trophy during the last couple of years. We've been in quarter-finals, semi-finals and Finals Days, but we haven't managed to get over the line. I think that's a real goal for us this year.

The lads have won a couple of things, and you get used to winning. It's a habit. Getting promoted was fantastic, but winning it was even better because you get to know that out of the nine teams you were the best, which is really important.”

But, in spite of the club’s anniversary, Moores insists that he will be treating this season like any other campaign.

“It would be lovely to win a trophy with it being the 150th year, but it doesn't really make any difference for us. I think we are on our journey, on which we have won the Championship once and won another trophy - the Division Two title last year.”

With Lancashire achieving success in the Championship in recent seasons, Moore is also hoping that their confidence can be replicated into other forms of the game.

Stephen Moore departure leaves a void in
 Lancashire's batting line-up for the 2014 season.

“We want to be really competitive in Division One next season, and we also want to take that next step forward in one-day cricket if we can.

Lancashire’s ambitions may well be vindicated especially due to  the acquisition of Jos Buttler which Moores believes will give the squad a boost.

“Jos Buttler, and players like him, can hit a ball like never before. It's an ability that is crucial in the one-day game.”

However, the recent departure of opening batsman, Stephen Moore, who was the clubs top-scorer in the t20 format last season, leaves a gap at the top of the order for one-day fixtures. 

The balance between experience and youth at the club is something that has worked very well in recent seasons and Lancashire will be aiming to extend their success beyond the Championship in 2014.