Cricket: 2011 English County Championship Division 2, Update

While the top two played out a draw, Surrey took full advantage to climb to third during a rain-hit round of matches.

Northamptonshire remain top after 14 games on 201 points, after drawing with Middlesex at the County Ground.

The home side posted 276 in their first innings as Rob Newton hit 113. Corey Collymore took 3-55 and Steven Crook 3-60.

Middlesex declared on 479-8, with Dawid Malan making 113 and Scott Newman 95. James Middlebrook picked up 5-123 and Chaminda Vaas 3-80.

Northamptonshire were 22-0 at the end of Day Three, but rain prevented any play on Day Four so both counties had to settle for a draw.

Middlesex have 183 points, but have played a game less than the leaders.

Surrey climbed to third on 160 points after 13 games with their win against Leicestershire at Grace Road.

Leicestershire were dismissed for just 167, despite Robert Taylor's 70. Tim Linley picking up 3-22.

Steve Davies hit 121 to help Surrey reach 343, as Taylor (3-53) and Shiv Thakor (3-57) did the damage with the ball.

The home side posted 286 second time around, as Will Jefferson made 121 but Linley's 6-57 put Surrey in control.

Chasing 111 for victory, Rory Hamilton-Brown smashed 75 from 56 balls to see his side home.

Leicestershire have won just once this season and remain bottom on 80 points with just three games remaining.

Derbyshire and Essex's promotion hopes are all but over after the sides played out a draw in Chelmsford.

Derbyshire were rolled over for just 148 in their first innings. Wes Durston top-scored with 48, while David Masters claimed 3-28 and Maurice Chambers 3-34.

The home side responded with 207 as Ryan ten Doeschate made 55. Tim Groenewald took 4-78 and Tony Palladino 3-70.

Derbyshire reached 187-4 with Martin Guptill hitting 86 before the match ended in a draw.

The result sees Derbyshire slip to fourth on 155 points and Essex in fifth on 153 points, both sides have two games remaining.

The next fixture starts on August 30 with Middlesex hosting Leicestershire. Gloucestershire play Glamorgan, Kent face Essex and Northamptonshire against Surrey start from August 31.