LANCASHIRE pulled off a thrilling one-run victory over Hampshire in the National League as Carl Hooper bowled a brilliant last over.

The Hawks needed seven from the final over but Hooper bowled Nic Pothas with the first ball, and Chris Tremlett and Australian Shane Watson could not get the off-spinner away as he conceded only five runs. Pothas and Watson had added 66 runs after impressive seam bowling left Hampshire struggling on 110 for six, chasing 183.

The West Indian has played a major role in both his games back since injury and it shows what Lancashire have been missing for the last month. Dinesh Mongia was a fine substitute, but no one can replace Hooper.

Jimmy Anderson also looked in top form and marked his first game back from England duty with figures of 3-26, including a wicket in his first over and a further two in three balls to leave Hampshire in trouble.

Lancashire,s position was strengthened as Sajid Mahmood claimed the big wicket of John Crawley with his first ball and ended with 2-33.

The Red Rose side also struggled with the bat and did well to post 182-8 after being reduced to 79-6. But Dominic Cork (57) continued his good batting form, playing a positive innings, while Warren Hegg (37) was at his scampering best as they added 79 for the seventh wicket.

The win ends a run of four straight defeats in the National League moving the side up to third, one of three teams on 20 points.