Worcestershire Vs. Lancashire LVCC day four.

Lancashire extend Championship lead.

Luis Reece and Ashwell Prince helped
guide Lancs to a nine-wicket win.

Lancashire's nine wicket victory over Worcestershire has given them a healthy lead at the top of the division two table, as they now sit 34 points clear of promotion contenders Northamptonshire.

The 2011 county champions are now also 65 points ahead of Essex in third place, ensuring that promotion back to the first division is all but secured.

Luis Reece made his second half century of the match, finishing unbeaten on 56 in an aggressive innings containing 10 fours and a maximum.

Ashwell Prince combined with the 24-year-old, as the veteran helped to add 71 for the second-wicket stand.

This, Lancashire's seventh win in 12 matches, also means that they are still the only team from either division to have not lost a game in the campaign.

The crucial wicket for Lancashire was of course Moeen Ali, who resumed play on 101, but shortly after reaching the highest score of the match (109) he edged behind to Glen Chapple (3-53).

Kyle Hogg (3-58) removed Joe Leach and Jack Shantry, with both men out caught behind in quick succession, helping keeper, Gareth Cross to take seven catches in the match.

Tom Smith also claimed two wickets, dismissing Oliver Cox and Graeme Cessford to help set-up a straightforward chase, with Lancashire needing just 88 to win, a target they met having faced a mere 19 overs, with Paul Horton the only man to fall for 8.