Lancashire: Simmons's simple equation for success (22 Aug 1998)

22 August 1998

Simmons's simple equation for success

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph

Lancashire chairman Jack Simmons spelled out the tough title challenge which lies ahead for the Red Rose outfit.

"It's simple - we have to win our last three matches and hope Surrey slip up in one of theirs," said Simmons who saw Lancashire claim 20 points from their demolition of Durham but still lose ground to leaders Surrey.

Adam Hollioake's side took 22 points away from Trent Bridge, to stretch the gap between them and Lancashire to 23 points.

But, whatever happens, Simmons is delighted with the way Lancashire have performed in the championship this season, saying: "Everyone has pulled together for the good of the side."

It's a four horse championship race now with Gloucester and Leicester also involved, but Lancashire have the easiest run in with home games against Derbyshire and Hampshire sandwiched around a trip to Trent Bridge.

Simmons, in his first season as chairman, said: "I think we can win the last three, but really we've got to hope that Surrey have a setback somewhere."

Meanwhile, Durham skipper David Boon was full of praise for Wasim Akram after Lancashire's 350-run win at Chester-le-Street. "Wasim is one of the best bowlers the world has produced in the last 15 years," said Boon.

"We have been plagued by injuries and when you are struggling to come up against someone like Wasim makes life even more difficult."

The Lancashire captain took 4-40 as Durham were dismissed for 122, again batting with 10 men as Nick Speak is out for at least two weeks with the groin injury he suffered on the first day against his old county. Wasim, who passed a fitness test on his toe on the first morning, scored 68 and 63 and finished with match figures of seven for 79.

Lancashire coach Dav Whatmore said: "He still isn't fully fit, otherwise the match might have been over even sooner."

Lancashire return to the Riverside tomorrow for their Axa Life League clash with Mike Atherton, Ian Austin and Peter Martin all returning after England duty.

Lancashire's final AXA home match of the season will start at 1.05pm on Monday September 7.

Lancashire had approached Hampshire to play the game under lights but Hampshire were unable to give their decision in time for Lancashire to promote the event.

Source :: Lancashire Evening Telegraph (https://www.reednews.co.uk/let/)