The weather did more than Gloucestershire at Headingley yesterday to deal a severe blow to Yorkshire's chances of winning the match today and gaining promotion to Division One of the Championship at the first time of asking.

Only 7.5 overs were possible at the start of the third day before frustrating drizzle set in which caused play to be called off at 3.20pm.

Yorkshire were then 29-2 in their second innings with an overall lead of 161 and now they must try to score quite a few more runs and still leave themselves with enough time in which to bowl out their opponents. Gloucestershire, however, will not be tempted into anything rash because a draw will be quite sufficient for them to claim the third promotion spot for themselves.

The day began gloomily for Yorkshire, resuming on four without loss when a wicket fell off the final ball of the first over from Jon Lewis, which Craig White edged to substitute fielder Martyn Ball at second slip. And there was another shock in the following over when Anthony McGrath drilled a delivery from Ian Harvey to short extra cover, where Tim Hancock swooped to hold a good catch.

At seven for two, Yorkshire could not afford to let the slump continue and Matthew Wood and Michael Lumb soon settled down to play some confident shots, particularly through the covers.

Lewis was the more expensive of the two bowlers and he was hit for three boundaries in one over before the thickening drizzle prevented any further play.

Yorkshire are determined to do everything possible to clinch a victory today, but they will have to wait and see how big a part fast bowler Steve Kirby will be able to play. Kirby suffered a thigh strain while bowling on Thursday and spent yesterday on the treatment table.

Yorkshire will wait until the end of the match before naming their Phoenix side for tomorrow's National League game at Headingley against Gloucestershire Gladiators on the last day of the season.

The contest has little at stake with Yorkshire certain of relegation and Gloucestershire sure to hold on to second place.