HAMPSHIRE blasted Middlesex 151-113 at Ruislip to give themselves a chance of qualifying for the Middleton Cup quarter-finals.

In a situation identical to last summer they need a near-maximum points win from their final match while hoping that section leaders Oxfordshire stumble to a heavy defeat in their last fixture.

Twelve months ago the "impossible dream" came true with Hampshire gaining a shock last-eight place after they won and Oxfordshire floundered but though John Plomer's men are capable of landing a full 22 points against the Isle of Wight at Atherley on Saturday, July 5, the chances of Oxfordshire slipping up again, this time against Middlesex, must be remote.

After two matches the points situation reads: Oxfordshire 39, Hampshire 22, Middlesex 21, Isle of Wight 6. This means that Oxfordshire require just six points (three rink wins) against Middlesex at Banbury to top the group even if Hampshire land a maximum against the Islanders.

After the opening disappointment against Oxfordshire, Plomer's side picked themselves up with a 20-2 triumph over Middlesex after racing 15 shots at five ends and extending that to 25 by the 10th. A 45-11 stunner from Leo May's rink stole the show for Hampshire.

A six on the fifth end sent May on his way quickly followed by a five as Hampshire roared to overall command. Brother Paul May, Peter Ward and Martyn Sekjer all chimed in with wins while Nicky Jones did too despite being well behind early on.

"This was a much-improved performance and soothed the awful memories of the Oxfordshire game. Now at least we have a chance of winning the group - we can get 22 points against the Island and I just hope Oxfordshire suffer from over-confidence against Middlesex," said team manager Plomer.

Rink scores against Middlesex:

Ian Churchman, Dave Dunford (both Aldershot Traction), Colin Thresher (Sports Centre), Leo May (Pyestock) 45 Tony Waller 11;

Michael Squires (Boscombe Cliff), Mark Hammond (Banister Park), Charlie Bailey (Fareham), Peter Ward (Sports Centre) 25 Steve Stockley 17.

Barry Bendall (Banister Park), Paul Lawrence (Civil Service Portsmouth), Colin Hayward (Milton Park), Julian Haines (Boscombe Cliff) 13 Steve Marrett 30;

John Keat (Sports Centre), Chris Martin (Boscombe Cliff), Richard Shelley, Martyn Sekjer (both Sports Centre) 25 Perry Cook 20;

Alan Geary (Boscombe Cliff), Denny Graydon (Fleming Park), Dean Morgan (Boscombe Cliff), Paul May (Pyestock) 23 John Sweeney 18;

Bill Taws (CS Portsmouth), Dorian Bishop (Southsea Waverley), Chris Daniels, Nicky Jones (both Boscombe Cliff) 20 Paul Cater 17.