Draws likely across Division Two with little play possible

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO ROUNDUP: Lancashire enjoyed the better of the day against Middlesex, but the weather didn't allow much progression in matches at Bristol or Leicester

Bristol (day three of four): Northamptonshire 206, Gloucestershire 158-5 - Gloucestershire are 48 runs behind with five first-innings wickets remaining

Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire were again frustrated by the elements in their efforts to accrue bonus points on day three of the County Championship Division Two match at Bristol.

Resuming on 65 for 3 in reply to Northamptonshire's first-innings 206, Gloucestershire advanced their score to 158 for 5 for the loss of Ollie Price and James Bracey in the 25 overs that were possible before rain set in just before the lunch interval.

Although umpires James Tredwell and Paul Baldwin ordered a mopping-up operation to begin at 1.45pm, the Bristol groundstaff had to abandon their efforts when further wet weather arrived. Tea was taken at 2.55pm, after which a further inspection, staged at 4.15pm, led to play being abandoned for the day with the loss of 79 overs.

Related: "A lot more excitement, a lot more interest" - The case for a rejuvenated County Championship

^{Gloucestershire's clash witth Northamptonshire looks destined for a draw (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)}

Grace Road (day three of four): Leicestershire 459-7d, Kent 17-0 - Kent are 442 runs behind with 10 first-innings wickets remaining

Day three followed day one in being lost entirely to the weather, as already-promoted Leicestershire's quest to secure the Division Two title against Kent in the County Championship suffered more frustration.

Heavy overnight rain left several parts of the playing area saturated, and though the rain had stopped by midday, umpires Hassan Adnan and Simon Widdup decided that there was no prospect of the surface drying enough to allow any play.

Leicestershire, whose promotion to the top division after a 22-year absence was confirmed last week, began their final home fixture against Kent with a 25-point lead over Glamorgan, the only rival with the mathematical potential to overtake them during the last two rounds of matches.

They increased that advantage by taking five batting bonus points when better weather on Tuesday allowed a full day’s play, while Glamorgan took only one of the batting bonus points available in their match at Derby.

It means that unless Glamorgan can conjure a win in what remains of their match, a draw here will be enough for the title to go to Leicestershire.

Related: Luis Reece remains motivated by promotion after thriving in "shock" role this season

^{Glamorgan remain in pole position to join Leicestershire in Division One (Getty Images)}

Old Trafford (day three of four): Middlesex 211, Lancashire 105-0 - Lancashire trail by 106 runs with 10 wickets remaining

Luke Wells and Keaton Jennings enriched the penultimate evening of the season at Old Trafford with an unbroken opening stand of 105 but Lancashire's County Championship match against Middlesex looks certain to end in the draw that would almost certainly end the visitors' chances of promotion.

Replying to Middlesex's 211, a first innings in which Tom Aspinwall and Tom Bailey both took four wickets, Lancashire ended another day shortened by rain and bad light on 105 without loss, with Jennings on 36 not out and Wells unbeaten on 60.

However, only 31.4 overs were possible in Manchester on Wednesday and neither side appears to have a credible chance of forcing a win, even if Thursday's weather permits a full 96 overs’ play. So far, 210 overs have been lost in this match.

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• Luis Reece remains motivated by promotion after thriving in "shock" role this season