Middlesex's hopes of forcing a victory over County Championship Division Two leaders Northamptonshire were dashed as the final day's play of their Wantage Road clash was washed out.
Northamptonshire had ended day three on 22 without loss, 181 runs behind their opponents, but second-placed Middlesex were deprived of the chance to press home their advantage as play was abandoned at 2pm. They would have had high hopes after declaring on 479 for 8 yesterday in reply to Northamptonshire's 276 all out, but have to settle for 10 points from the draw, which puts them 18 points off the pace with a game in hand.
Northamptonshire come out of this match with six points and will look to take a giant step towards promotion against Surrey at Wantage Road next week whilst Middlesex face bottom club Leicestershire at Lord's.