Riki Wessels was cruelly denied his first century of the season as Northamptonshire's LV County Championship clash with Glamorgan predictably ended in a draw on day four at Wantage Road.

The 23-year-old looked all set for three figures as the game drew to a close in the final session only to be cleaned up by former England spinner Jamie Dalrymple on 92.

Northants began the last day with a 14-run deficit and ended it 312 for eight thanks also to 86 from opener Stephen Peters but heavy rain on days one and three prevented any chance of a result.

Spinner Robert Croft also suffered heartache, just missing out on a five-wicket haul ending with figures of four for 71 after leading the Dragons' attack on the last day.

If Glamorgan were to stand any chance of securing the most unlikely of victories they needed an early breakthrough but their bowlers were unable to oblige.

Alex Wakely and Peters batted comfortably through the first hour with only South African Garnett Kruger looking threatening within the visitors' ranks.

In-form Peters - who smashed 163 in the first innings - sent left-armer Adam Shantry crashing to the fence three consecutive times to reach 50 from 73 balls.

However Peters and Wakely's partnership did not last much longer with the latter caught by Gareth Rees at short-leg off former England spinner Croft for 29 after a stand of 115.

Croft struck in consecutive overs after lunch, luring Peters down the track for Mark Wallace to claim an easy stumping before trapping Northants skipper Nicky Boje lbw for four.

Andrew Hall and Wessels added 51 off 10 overs to take the score to 203 for four only for James Harris to remove the South African all-rounder in the 54th over after he tried one shot too many.

Wessels completed his seventh half-century of the season from 87 balls before David Willey smashed spinner Dalrymple into the members' enclosure.

However Dalrymple got his revenge, bowling Willey round his legs for 16 before Croft dismissed England spinner Monty Panesar for the second time in the match just before tea.

With the score at 271 for seven and Northants leading by 238 runs after tea, a draw was definitely on the cards but the hosts did not give up with Wessels going in search of a century.

But it never came with Dalrymple cleaning him up after 155 balls before both captains shook hands on a draw after 92 overs.