Without even taking to the Area on the final day at Bristol, Northamptonshire and Also gloucestershire both clinched promotion.
Their elevation was affirmed when news broke the drama fourth-placed Glamorgan at Chester-le-Street, denying the Welsh county the success they needed if they were able to keep any hope of overhauling either of the rivals and had been abandoned for the day at the game between Durham.
David Millns and umpires Mike Burns then took the decision after overnight rain again left the outfield below 31, to leave play for the day in the Bristol County Ground.
Northamptonshire maintained seven points out of a drawn game to finish second behind Lancashire, one place.
Glamorgan’s hopes of beating against Gloucestershire ended in frustration because states which prevented drama on Wednesday failed to improve overnight, leaving the outfield increasingly sodden.
The early decision to call the match was made by Even the umpires, despite having a prediction in the day.