DIVISION One strugglers Lancashire and Hampshire played out a high-scoring County Championship draw at Old Trafford, with both now facing the prospect of a relegation fight later this summer.

The players shook hands at 4.50pm to confirm the result when the visitors declared on 237-5 in their second innings, leading by 277.

Opener Joe Weatherley’s unbeaten 126 off 260 balls, which saw him bat through the whole day, represented his maiden first-class hundred.

Lancashire took 11 points from the match and Hampshire 10.

This draw means that both sides leapfrog Yorkshire to leave the White Rose second bottom in Division One after they suffered a seven-wicket defeat to leaders Surrey at Scarborough.

Yorkshire are four points behind Hampshire and three behind Lancashire, but they have only played seven and have a game in hand on both.

Lancashire coach Glen Chapple felt his side battled well against the visitors.

He said: “The wicket held up better than I expected – it didn’t offer as much spin as I thought it would today.

“I thought the lads fought really hard over four days and got themselves into a position to put them (Hampshire) under pressure. Dane Vilas and Alex (Davies) batted really well – Clarky (Jordan Clark) as well.

“Joe Mennie was a loss. He’s been one of our best bowlers this season. I thought Jordan played the third seamer’s role very well and enjoyed the extra responsibility.

“The lads have been working hard and we can’t fault their effort. We had youngsters coming in. It’s not our full-strength team and we played well. I thought the energy levels on such a hot week were fantastic.

“Bunny (Graham Onions) and Bails (Tom Bailey) worked unbelievably hard and showed a lot of enthusiasm. I can’t fault how the team are operating.”

On Haseeb Hameed’s struggles with the bat, Chapple added: “I really feel for Has at the moment. He’s been working hard in the nets and he’s been playing well. There’s going to be mental challenges after the start he’s had but we encourage him to keep working hard.”

Lancashire’s next Championship game is away at Yorkshire at the end of July.