Allenby and rain thwart Northants

Northamptonshire's hopes of taking full control of their Championship match against Glamorgan were held up by rain and the swing bowling of Jim Allenby on the second day in Cardiff.

Only 17.1 overs were possible during 70 minutes of play, with Northamptonshire moving on to 145 for 5, a first-innings lead of 11. In that time Allenby gave Glamorgan hopes of a comeback with the wickets of Rob Newton and Stephen Peters.

The morning session was washed out because of steady drizzle and, after an early lunch, play eventually resumed at 1.10pm with Northamptonshire on 108 for 3, 26 behind Glamorgan's 134 all out.

Captain Peters and Newton batted watchfully in the opening hour and edged the visitors into a lead. But that lead stood at just three runs when Northamptonshire lost their first wicket of the day.

Newton was out leg-before to a swinging delivery from Allenby after making 39 in a 79-run partnership with his captain.

Allenby struck again three overs later to dismiss Peters, who edged to Stewart Walters at second slip. Peters went for 67 having only added seven runs to his overnight score.

Rain stopped play again at 2.25pm and the day was eventually abandoned at 4.45pm.