Rain spoils County matches

Mohammad Kaif made a breezy 31 as Derbyshire scored 361 for five declared in reply to Durham's first innings score of 501 for 8 declared at close on the third day of the four-day rain affected County championship Second Division match at Derby on Saturday.

The highlight of the Derbyshire's spirited first innings score was a brilliant knock of 143 by Australia's Michael Di Venuto, who put on 197 runs for the opening partnership with S A Selwood (62).

In their second innings, Durham declared at 110 for two, the runs were scored in just 14.1 overs. This meant that Derbyshire were set a target of 250 runs.

Mohammad Kaif was out early in the second innings, caught by Philip Mustard off the bowling of Neil Killeen for just 7 as Derby reached 72 for 3 at Tea on the third and final day.

The four-day tie between Yorkshire and Hampshire in another Second Division match petered out to a draw despite a bold declaration by Yorkshire captain Matthew Wood.

Yorkshire declared their second innings at 211 for 4, with Yuvraj Singh yet to open his account.

After the match was reduced to a three-day affair owing to a rain interruption, Wood's decision to set Hampshire a target of 307 in a minimum of 66 overs was sporting, if not generous.

In reply, Hampshire made 170 for 6 wickets at close.