Durham remain Division Two leaders

Division Two

Derbyshire and Durham's chances of an exciting finish were ended at 3pm today as the match was called off, resulting in a draw. Set 330 to win by Derbyshire, who have yet to register a win in the Championship this season, Durham reached 93 for 2 with Mike Hussey left unbeaten on 42. The South African left-arm spinner, Ant Botha, finished with economical figures of 2 for 10 from six overs. Durham lead Division Two of the Championship, with a twelve point cushion over second-placed Lancashire.

Lancashire's game with Essex ended, unsurprisingly, in a rather unexciting draw. In reply to Essex's 536 for 9 declared, Lancashire compiled a turgid 655 - losing just six wickets, as Andrew Symonds struck a hundred from 160 balls. A win would have taken Lancashire to the top of Division Two, so they remain in second place.