LANCASHIRE'S plight in the relegation zone in the county championship's top flight took a turn for the worse as Warwickshire claimed the title last night.

Warwickshire were confirmed as champions for the first time in nine years yesterday as Sussex, the only side that could overhaul them, lost by five wickets to Middlesex.

But while the result was received with joy in the midlands, it turned the tide against the Red Rose side in the relegation scrap.

Everything was pointing towards a Sussex victory against Middlesex at Hove when last year's County Champions set their opponents 285 to win on a tough wicket.

But Owais Shah hit century to guide Middlesex to a victory, which pulled the Londoners away from the drop zone, therefore giving Lancashire one less side to battle with.

Ironically the Red Rose side now need Sussex winning their next match, against fellow strugglers Gloucestershire.

If Lancashire want to avoid going down to Division Two it is looking as though they will need to finish above Gloucestershire and Worcestershire - their last two opponents in the campaign. Northamptonshire are all but down after their defeat to Kent.

Lancashire's clash at New Road this week is Worcestershire's last game of the season, so a win would leave the Red Rose side with at least a chance of making

the Gloucestershire game a relegation decider.

Meanwhile, Lancashire's team manager Mike Watkinson has given his support to his captain Warren Hegg's following a confrontation with spectators after the home defeat to Surrey the weekend.

"Warren is a very passionate player who puts everything into this club. His reaction was borne out if the frustration and hurt he feels," said Watkinson.