Weather the winner at Grace Road

Rain and bad light at Grace Road meant only 30 minutes were possible on day four

Rain and bad light reduced the last day's play at Grace Road to 30 minutes as Leicestershire's LV County Championship Division Two match against Northamptonshire drifted to an inevitable draw.

There was just enough time for the home side to reclaim the three points they were in danger of being deducted because of a slow over-rate and for the visitors to go past 300 and collect their third batting point.

Steady rain during the morning delayed the start until 2.30pm with Northamptonshire resuming on their overnight 276 for three in reply to Leicestershire's total of 527.

The home side used two spinners, Claude Henderson and Jacques du Toit to improve their sluggish over-rate and bowled 14.2 overs in the half an hour of play possible, which was sufficient to clear their over-rate deficit.

Northants added 26 runs to reach 302 for three with David Sales on 62 and Rob White on 69 having shared a stand of 145.

At that stage, with Leicestershire looking to bring on their fast bowlers, bad light brought a halt and with light rain falling again the game was abandoned as a draw at 4.45pm.