Leaders Worcestershire have moved closer to securing promotion from Division Two of the Specsavers County Championship.
The County began this week knowing a maximum of 11 points were required from the final match with Durham at New Road on September 25 to seal a place in Division One irrespective of events elsewhere.
But that figure has been reduced to six points after third placed Northamptonshire were bowled out for 194 against second placed Nottinghamshire at Wantage Road today.
Their failure to secure any of the five batting bonus points on offer has led to Worcestershire’s reduced points target.
Worcestershire are on 216 points and the most Northamptonshire can acquire from their final two games is now 221.
Rory Kleinveldt top-scored with 43 after Northants batted first via an uncontested toss with Luke Wood (4) and Steven Mullaney (3) the main wicket-takers.
Kleinveldt then picked up four wickets as Nottinghamshire closed on 80-5.
*Worcestershire Seconds were frustrated by the weather on the opening day of their three-day match with Leicestershire at Desborough CC.
Heavy overnight rain led to play being called off for the day before the scheduled 10.30am start.
