HAMPSHIRE'S players secured a £25,000 cash prize when they were confirmed of second place in the county championship's second division on Monday - without even playing.

Glamorgan's draw against Nottinghamshire in Cardiff secured the Welsh county of third place and Hampshire of the runners-up spot

And although highly unlikely, it is still mathematically possible for Hampshire to finish as champions ahead of Notts.

Maximum points for Hampshire at Derby and the unlikely scenario of Notts failing to take a single point from their match against Essex at Trent Bridge would give both sides 232 points with the title going to Hampshire, by virtue of having won more games.

For the record, £40,000 is the prize for the second division champions.