WORCESTERSHIRE and Warwickshire edged closer to promotion after their LV County Championship Division Two clash at New Road was abandoned as a draw because of torrential rain.

A wash-out for the second day in a row hit Worcestershire hardest.

Not only were they denied a chance to press for victory - they were leading by 133 with nine wickets standing - but they were unable to straighten out their over-rate.

Consequently, they were deducted two points for being two overs behind schedule on dismissing the visitors for 251 in their first innings.

Worcestershire now lead their Edgbaston rivals by 16 points and need a further 25 to guarantee promotion.