Hampshire bid hit by rain

Hampshire Hawks’ quest for the NatWest Pro40 Division One title suffered a setback when the final fixture of their eight-match campaign was washed out.

Hampshire were due to meet Worcestershire Royals at the Rose Bowl but heavy overnight rain and more before the scheduled start at 12.45 washed out any prospect of play taking place.

This meant Hampshire and Worcestershire were each awarded one point for a washout, a result which did nothing for leaders Hampshire.

Dimitri Mascarenhas' side must now hope that nearest challengers Sussex and Nottinghamshire slip up while they play their matches in hand.

Sussex are two points behind with two matches to play and Nottinghamshire are four points adrift but with three games to go.

Hampshire were trailing at the foot of the table until they won four matches in succession to leap to the top, a sequence which coincided with the resignation of manager Paul Terry.

Rain left pools of water on the outfield and the area surrounding the wickets and the decision to call it off was little more than a formality.