THE weather did more than Gloucestershire did 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 drizzle set in which caused play to be called off at 3.20pm.

Yorkshire were then 29 for two in their second innings, an overall lead of 151, 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, even if Yorkshire dangle a juicy carrot, because a draw will be enough for them to get the third promotion spot.

The day began gloomily for Yorkshire when they resumed on four without loss. Off the final ball of the first over, from Jon Lewis, Craig White edged to substitute fielder Martyn Ball at second slip.

In the next over, Anthony McGrath drilled a delivery from Ian Harvey to short extra cover where Tim Hancock held a good catch.

At 7-2, Yorkshire could not afford to let the slump continue and Matthew Wood and Michael Lumb soon settled down to play some confident shots.

Lewis was hit for three boundaries in one over before the thickening drizzle prevented any further play.

Yorkshire were determined to do everything possible to clinch a victory today, but they were having to wait and see how big a part fast bowler Steve Kirby would be able to play in trying to bowl out Gloucestershire.

Kirby suffered a thigh strain while bowling on Thursday and he spent yesterday on the treatment table.

Yorkshire were to 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. There is little at stake, with Yorkshire certain of relegation and Gloucestershire sure to hold on to second place.

Updated: 09:52 Saturday, September 20, 2003