IT IS high time that Lancashire's players proved they are a class act.

The side have just two matches left to beat the drop to the county championship's second division - this after being tipped to be the title winners in the early part of the season.

However, even if the two remaining games produce victories it still could be out of Lancashire's hands if other results do not go their way.

But the players have got to be honest with themselves and realise that the reason they are in this position is down to the way they have performed over the whole season.

There have been some poor results and it is stunning that it has been down to some weak batting.

There are mitigating circumstances with Stuart Law and Mal Loye having had injuries, and of course it would have been a bonus had Andy Flintoff been available a little more often, but the side is still one of the strongest batting line-ups in the competition.

As far as missing 'Freddie' and James Anderson goes, it can't be an excuse as they knew they would be on England duty most of the season and you have to balance that against the fact that other sides have to operate without their top international players as well.

It has led to some of the fans getting hot under the collar and skipper Warren Hegg had a few choice words for the critics at Old Trafford last week, but to be honest those paying spectators have a right to voice their opinion.

The flak always goes the way of the skipper and the team manager and it is a shame for Warren who has given an awful lot to the club over his career.

But realistically the players have to expect what is coming their way and the onus is on them over the final two championship outings to show their class both on and off the field and give Lancashire the best fighting chance of preserving their top flight status.