Lancashire's Division Two title hopes kept in check by rain and Will Gidman With the final ball of his first over Gidman had Horton caught behind for a duck, Gareth Roderick taking a one-handed catch above his head. Horton clearly felt the ball had diverted off a pad and walked slowly off, shaking his head. Worse was to follow for Lancashire in Gidman's next over as Prince, also on nought, had his middle stump uprooted. That was as good as it got for the home side as Luis Reece and Karl Brown took the score to 33 without further mishap, Brown with the help of two cover-driven fours. Only 17.1 overs were possible after Kent, who have just pride to play for, had been put in to bat with former South Africa all-rounder Andrew Hall taking the only wicket to fall as the visitors closed on 60 for one. Essex were frustrated by the weather and Glamorgan's third-wicket pair as they went in search of a victory at Chelmsford to keep alive their promotion hopes. After winning the toss, Essex removed the openers inside three overs but an unbroken stand of 96 by Murray Goodwin and Ben Wright helped to carry the visitors to 103 from 42 overs when rain ended play after eight overs following the tea break. No play was possible between Leicestershire - whose captain Matthew Hoggard is due to play his final game before retirement - and Hampshire at Grace Road. The game is Leicestershire's last chance to secure their first win in the Championship this season but, whatever, the result, they will still finish bottom of the table.