The LV County Championship Division Two match between Derbyshire and Middlesex at the County Ground was poised for an entertaining final day with the hosts on 138 for two at stumps.

Middlesex had conceded a 19-run first innings deficit when they declared on 226 for nine at tea, Owais Shah taking his chance to impress the England selectors with an unbeaten 129.

Derbyshire then took up the offer of pushing for a result as they piled on quick runs in the evening session. Skipper Chris Rogers led the way adding 76 from 82 balls and his side will resume on Friday with a lead of 157 runs.

Matt Walker scored his first century since moving to Essex in the winter, however rain had all but ended their hopes victory against Leicestershire at Grace Road.

Essex skipper Mark Pettini declared his side's innings closed on 427 for six at lunch - good enough for a maximum five batting points - before the hosts fell to 39 for three and open up the possibility of an unlikely result.

But HD Ackerman (8no) and Jim Allenby (26no) steadied things in the afternoon session, taking the score to 61 for three, before the rain set in for the day.