Worcestershire v Lancashire: STUART Law struck a majestic century to give Lancashire the start they needed in their County Championship relegation crunch match against Worcestershire.

Law's 159, which led Mike Watkinson's side to 350-8, has given them a chance to exploit a wearing pitch later in the match.

The Aussie showed just what the side has been missing during his absence with a back problem.

"After six weeks out, it's just good to get back and score some runs," said Law.

"It's frustrating sitting on the sidelines not being able to do anything."

"We're under immense pressure to perform but have made a good start to this game. There is a lot of belief and faith in the dressing room that we can get the win."

"Gary Keedy has been spinning it on anything this season so I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do out there."

Overall it was a solid batting effort from the Red Rose side, with half-centuries from Iain Sutcliffe (51) and Glen Chapple (50), who added 110 for the sixth wicket with Law.

But the innings was in need of some rebuilding when Carl Hooper was trapped lbw, continuing his poor run of form, to leave the score 128-4.

Andrew Crook, making his first-class debut in place of the injured Chris Schofield, helped to start the recovery with a promising 27 to steady the innings.

The all-rounder looked comfortable at the crease and struck some handsome boundaries.

Chapple then played very positively, taking 79 balls to reach his fifty, and when he was caught behind under-fire captain Warren Hegg (22 not out) made sure Lancashire bagged their fourth batting bonus point.