Mason Crane despairs as Hampshire fall short: "Jesus it can be a cruel game"

Hants miss out on clinching their first title since 1973 by one wicket, with the Championship now destined for Lancashire or Warwickshire

Lancashire keep title hopes alive and deny Hampshire in stunning finale

Hampshire huffed, puffed but eventually failed in their pursuit of a first LV=Insurance County Championship since 1973 but their endeavour was typified by leg-spinner Mason Crane, who claimed five wickets and a run-out to nearly bring Lancashire to their knees.

Lancs were 118 for 3 in pursuit of 196 to win and looked destined to saunter to a victory which would keep them in the hunt and the pressure on Warwickshire.

But Crane hadn't read the script. A 16-over spell either side of tea produced 5 for 41 and the run-out of Tom Bailey to turn a routine chase into a nerve-jangling finale, leaving Hants one wicket away from ending 48 years of hurt.

In the end, it would prove to be a late siege rather than a decisive blow. Dane Vilas (47*) had displayed guts rather than guile throughout and a slightly unedifying yet effective sweep for a boundary secured victory.

The Red Rose celebrations will last long into the night - particularly if their dressing room histrionics are any indication - but they will be diluted if Warwickshire can overcome Somerset on day four at Edgbaston.

For Hants, while many counties would lap up a Blast Finals Day appearance and a title tilt it has been an unsatisfactory final week of the campaign. It could even be extended by a Bob Willis Trophy final appearance if Somerset prevail in Birmingham.

"It really hurts - we said we'd keep fighting to the end and that's what we did and I'm proud of the team and everyone for sticking with it," said Crane, whose 23 Championship wickets at 25.52 is his best season return since 2016.

"Jesus it can be a cruel game sometimes - we were a couple of inches away from winning the Championship and that's tough to take at the minute.

"Bowling in the fourth innings is kind of what I'm in the side for if needed and it's an honour - every run was crucial and at times it felt like it was a big score we had but the wicket got better as the game went on.

"It's tough to take but once the dust settles I would've rather have been in this position than have played in dead rubbers at the end of the season. 

"We have put a lot of effort and sacrifice into this season along with blood, sweat and tears and I felt we deserved to be one of the best teams in the competition - we just came up short on the day and that is how it is sometimes."

Quotes courtesy of the ECB Reporters Network