Wednesday 27 September 2017 20:59, UK
Worcestershire have been promoted back to the County Championship after a two year absence.
Their return to the top flight of English cricket was confirmed on Wednesday as Northamptonshire dropped bonus points after being bowled out for 202 by Leicestershire, meaning they can not catch the league leaders.
It is the Pears' sixth promotion in 15 seasons and they will now be targeting the Division One title. They can become champions if they equal or better Nottinghamshire's result against Sussex.
"It's been a great effort to get promoted and has really made the season for the club," said Worcestershire chairman Stephen Taylor.
"I want to thank the players for their commitment and professionalism throughout the season and the coaches and the support team, brilliant, a massive achievement.
"For us, one of the biggest things about getting promotion is that the young players now have the opportunity to play against the best players in the country.
"Hopefully that helps us to keep our best players for the future and that is a massive important part for this club now."
Steve Rhodes' side bowled Durham out for 208 after claiming the final five wickets to clinch the maximum of six points required.
However, the job was fully completed at Grace Road as Northants lost two quick wickets in the morning session.
Nottinghamshire were bowled out for 447 chasing Sussex's imposing first innings total of 565 and will resume 88 runs behind knowing a draw would be enough to guarantee an immediate return to Division One.
Northants, the side that could benefit from a Notts defeat, reached 17 without loss in their second innings after being set a victory target of 197 by Leicestershire, who were all out for 270.
Glamorgan ended a forgettable campaign with a five-wicket victory over Kent inside three days at Canterbury.
Michael Hogan's six for 43 helped skittle Kent for a paltry 115 in their second innings and that left Glamorgan with a victory target of 189, a total they overhauled thanks in the main to opener Nick Selman's 70.
In Bristol, Gloucestershire trail Derbyshire by 236 runs with eight second-innings wickets remaining after closing on 242 for two.
