SHANE WARNE blamed Hampshire's under-achieving batsmen for his side's fourth totesport National League defeat in five games.

Warne gave his batters the chance to take their Trent Bridge form into the National League before the floodlights were needed after winning the toss in Cardiff.

But Hampshire slumped to 72 for 5 and were bowled out for 174, which totesport League first division table-toppers Glamorgan passed for the loss of just three wickets and with 62 balls to spare.

Warne, pictured right, said: "It was a very good wicket and to get 174 just wasn't good enough. Our last few got some runs but we were 5 for 75, which was not acceptable.

"Most of the guys had a good hit at Trent Bridge on a flat wicket but batting has been our weakness all season.

"We haven't made enough runs in any of the competitons, mainly in the one dayers , but we've managed to pull off a few miracles or hang in there.

"Against good sides like Glamorgan you can't do that. You're not going to defend 174 with a fast outfield and on a good wicket.

"The guys have got to step up and start taking responsibility for their shot selection and start making runs, it's as simple as that.

"If they're not making runs it's time to try somebody else."

Hampshire's faint hopes of winning the National League evaporated with defeat in Cardiff.

And Warne has demanded a big improvement against second-placed Glamorgan in the second division championship match, which was due to start at 12pm today.

"It's frustrating when you're so close to winning both forms of the game - we're one game away from the top in both competitons - and I just hope the boys realise how big these games are," he added.

"If we win these games we have a chance to win everything but this was an unacceptable performance and the boys know that, so we have to respond in the four-day game.

"We did that against Essex, we had a shocker against them in a one-dayer but fought back to win the four-day game and we need to do that now."

Last night Warne was reminded that Matthew Elliott (81no) will be a major threat this week after the left-handed opener followed Nottinghamshire's David Hussey (170) in scoring big runs against his Victoria teammate's county.

Glamorgan v Hampshire report and reaction: Turn to Page 42

"Matthew Elliott showed why he's a class player, he got a bit of luck early but he played some extremely good shots once he saw off the new ball.

"But it's hard work for the bowlers to keep on having to defend small targets."

Hampshire and Glamorgan will play their championship match on the same wicket on which they played last night.

Warne added: "It was a good cricket wicket, it helped out the quicks if you banged it in and it spun a bit and the good players got the runs."