Cricket: 2011 English County Championship Division 2 (Update)

Both matches in the latest round of Division 2 fixtures ended in draws, keeping Essex in promotion contention.

Northamptonshire led the way after 11 games on 164 points.

Five points behind are second-placed Middlesex, who have played at least one game less than every other side in the division.

Gloucestershire are third after 11 games on 139 points.

Essex are fourth after 12 games on 136 points following their draw with Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens.

An opening stand of 184 between Gareth Rees (76) and Alviro Petersen (133) led the home side to 399 in their first innings. Tom Craddock claimed 4-89 for Essex.

Owais Shah's 118 and Adam Wheater's 92 did not out-push the away side to 363 the first time around.

Glamorgan declared on 296-7 in their second innings, Jim Allenby 65 not out, while David Masters took 4-62.

Chasing 333 for victory, Essex reached 143-6 as Dean Cosker claimed 5-48, before a draw was agreed.

Glamorgan are sixth after 12 games on 123 points.

The battle at the bottom ended all-square as eighth-placed Kent drew with bottom side Leicestershire at Grace Road.

Leicestershire posted 254 in their first innings as Claude Henderson (54) and Wayne White (50) made half centuries. Wahab Riaz took 4-94 and James Tredwell 3-42 for the away side.

Kent were indebted to Darren Stevens (67) and Martin van Jaarsveld (60) as they replied with 219. Jigar Naik claimed 5-34.

Leicestershire reached 289-9 declared as Tom New made 76. Azhar Mahmood took 4-42, while Adam Ball took 3-36.

Chasing 328 for victory, Kent reached 255-6 before time ran out and the match was ended as a draw. Rob Key made 98 and Wayne White took 2-26.

Both counties have played 11 games, Kent have 85 points while Leicestershire have 71.

The next round of fixtures from August 10 sees Derbyshire host Gloucestershire and Kent face Surrey. From August 11, second-placed Middlesex play leaders Northamptonshire.