Essex gained a draw from this match that had seemed so unlikely at the start of play and they were indebted to a magnificent unbeaten century from Paul Grayson who single-handedly dented Lancashire's hopes of the victory that would have eased their relegation fears.

The Essex opener batted for eight-and-a-quarter hours to reach 186 when the visitors finally called off the chase. He had faced 372 deliveries and struck 21 boundaries in a display of admirable composure and self-restraint that composed additional virtues of studious defence.

This was the 31-year-old's fifth championship century of the season and formed the bedrock of his side's successful survival attempt. They had begun the day still needing 77 runs to make Lancashire bat again and when skipper Ronnie Irani was out in the third over of the day, the home side's task looked invidious.

But Grayson possessed other thoughts and he found an immediate stubborn partner in James Foster with whom he added 63 runs before the Essex wicket-keeper gave Andrew Flintoff the first of his three wickets on the day.

At lunch with only five wickets remaining, then home side were just nine runs ahead and although Lancashire were inspired by the capture of Graham Napier's wicket within half an hour of the resumption, further progress became altogether sporadic.

All the time, Grayson remained unperturbed and an invaluable partnership of 86 in 28 overs with Ashley Cowan proved significant. Cowan finally fell to Flintoff, but by that time, Essex were 109 runs ahead.

Tim Mason occupied the crease for 11 overs with Grayson to frustrate the visitors' attack with skipper John Crawley ringing the changes frequently but time was ebbing away rapidly when Chris Schofield removed Mason as Essex had neutered their opponents' earlier imposing position.

Lancashire called off the hunt at 5.20 to leave Grayson accepting all the plaudits for his outstanding resolute performance.

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