LANCASHIRE plunged further into relegation trouble after a crushing innings and 55-run defeat to Surrey at Whitgift School.

The Rose Rose resistance only lasted into the afternoon session of the third day, and that was mainly due to the second fastest ton of the season from Dominic Cork.

They are now eighth in Division One, level on points with reigning champions Sussex.

But not even Cork's 81-ball century could hide the fact that this was a very poor display from Lancashire.

Coach Mike Watkinson said: "Man for man they have beaten us hands down. They never allowed us back in the game and we couldn't come up with anything."

The pitch did start to play a few tricks but Surrey managed to pile up 525. The home team's bowlers applied more pressure and found a better line and length than their Lancashire counterparts.

This was demonstrated again as Lancashire lost early wickets on the third morning. Jamie Haynes and Chris Schofield went quickly to leave them 73 for five and any hopes lay with Carl Hooper.

But after reaching 50, from 98 balls, he edged Azhar Mahmood to the keeper from a ball that lifted.

Glen Chapple's run-out summed up the awful display. He played a pull shot to fine leg and started to ease up towards the end of the single, only to be caught out of his ground by Tim Murtagh's 75-yard throw.

Although the pressure was off in terms of saving or winning the match Cork and Sajid Mahmood (31) showed what was possible with a ninth wicket stand of 75, Lancashire's highest of the match.

Cork took 16 off one Bicknell over and launched left-arm spinner Nayan Doshi for three sixes before he was the last man out attempting his eighth maximum after reaching his first Championship ton for Lancashire.