Essex hopes of recording their second successive victory in the County Championship were finally dented by heavy rain which swept across the ground with 11 statutory overs still remaining

Essex ended the third day in a strong position to achieve their second win of the season, leading by 313 runs with two wickets intact

At the end of a day when 42 overs were lost to rain, Northamptonshire finished the day trailing Essex by 87 runs with six first innings wickets standing in this compelling encounter between two of last season's promoted teams

Although Essex were well served by a vigilant 61 from Darren Robinson, it was the visitors that enjoyed the better of the opening day's play

Essex gained promotion to the First Division with a six-wicket victory over contenders Warwickshire after the two captains had agreed to declare innings in an attempt to set up a positive finish

Warwickshire gained consolation for their championship defeat when they cruised to a six wicket win against Essex in their National League encounter at Chelmsford

Playing on the pitch that had been used for the Championship match between the two sides, Essex won the toss and elected to bat

Drizzle delayed the resumption until 1.30 and with play underway in the other three promotion matches, both captains, Ronnie Irani and Neil Smith agreed to declarations to set up the possibility of a positive conclusion

Warwickshire declared immediately on reaching 400 which gained them their first batting point as they narrowed the gap on third placed Essex to just two points

The home side were given an immediate boost this morning when Mark Ilott bowled Dougie Brown with the first ball of the day

Essex ended a fascinating day's play still needing 43 runs to avoid the follow-on with five wickets intact

Despite missing four first team players, including Allan Donald, Warwickshire enjoyed a good start in their vital promotion contest at Chelmsford as openers Michael Powell and Mark Wagh batted through the opening session