ALEX Davies posted his maiden first-class century to help Lancashire set Essex 478 to win – or four full sessions to save the game – in a decidedly one-sided opening match of the County Championship season.

Essex knocked off 89 of the runs in 38 overs before the close. They lost both openers in the process as Lancashire closed in on their first Championship win in 12 attempts.

The day, though, belonged to Davies. He had been within one run of a century against Kent at Old Trafford almost two years ago, but batted throughout the 94.3 overs of Lancashire’s second innings at Chelmsford to finish unbeaten on 140.

Davies, from Darwen, had to fight back from 11 months out of the game with a knee injury that required an operation during the winter.

He said: “There were a couple of dark moments during that time. But you have to stay positive and have belief in your own ability, belief that you will get back fit, that you will get back playing.

“It was tough to watch Lancs last season and see people move ahead of me. But I had that belief deep down, the hunger, and that will stand me in good stead.

“Yes, there are days when you think, ‘I’m injured’ and you get down on yourself. But deep down it’s always been there and hopefully there is plenty more to come.

“But this was really amazing and it’s good to get it off my back really.

“I’ve had a lot of chances in the past and not quite got over the line. It’s just another day, but a really special one at the same time.”

Davies went to lunch 97 not out and admitted: “I could have chased it before lunch, but I made the decision that I was going to sit in there and not give my wicket away.”