Two matches and two defeats is the sum effort of Hampshire's excursions in the County Shield 2004 as they failed to produce the result they required in Essex to progress into the semi-finals.

Requiring an eight point win, they fell to a three point reverse 23-20.

But they were trailing throughout to a National Division Three South enhanced Essex outfit, who were typically strong but didn't cause Hampshire too many problems.

Level at the break having slipped to an 8-0 deficit through Nick Osman's try and Steve Claffey's penalty, Hampshire were then caught on the hop by two quick scores in succession that put the game out of reach.

Dave Archer pulled a score back for the visitors but a fourth touchdown re-engaged the Essex cushion before London Irish replacement Tony Paul brought the match to a thrilling conclusion but too late to make an impression.

There was little in the way of despondency from the coaching staff, who were pleased with the overall performance but disappointed not to have brought home the result and one that would have edge them into the last four.

"We made several clean line break and looked good at times," said coach Simon Morgan.

"But we took half an hour to get used to one another and didn't play as well as we could have done.

"The forwards performed well, although the lineout was lacking but, overall, we are not too downhearted and we now want to prepare properly for a full-on assault on the Shield next season.

"We need to consolidate what we have done and where we are after these two games.

"If we can get these guys to commit to Club Hampshire and get them together much earlier next season, allowing us more quality coaching time with them, then we can prepare in more depth rather than rushing things."

Hampshire finished bottom on Pool Four while neighbours Dorset & Wiltshire also ended their Pool Three campaign winless as they sank to a 37-17 defeat at home to Eastern Counties, who will be Essex's visitors in the semis next week.