IT'S been a grim 72 hours for Hampshire's cricketers.

Following Saturday's defeat by Northants which left Hampshire's hopes of qualifying for next year's elite division of the PPP Healthcare County Championship hanging by a thread, they were relegated to Division 2 of the CGU National League at Old Trafford last night.

And to cap that their Second XI were beaten by Kent in the final of the Aon Risk Trophy at Canterbury.

Hampshire's relegation to Division 2 of the National League limited-overs competition, which was sealed by last night's defeat by title-chasing Lancashire under the Old Trafford lights, has hit the county hard.

"This is a very progressive club and what's happened is so disappointing," said skipper Robin Smith. "It's come at a time when Hampshire are prepared to spend money to attract one or two decent new signings this winter.

"But we can't allow ourselves to become too down or distraught. We must now concentrate on the real fight we have on our hands to win a place in the First Division of the Championship next season.

"And as the first Hampshire captain ever to suffer relegation, my aim is to lead the team straight back up in time for when we play at our marvellous new ground in 2001."

Tim Tremlett, Hampshire's director of coaching, spells out the problems that relegation brings.

"It can affect the marketing of the club during the winter and our ability to attract new players," he said. "You don't want to get labelled a Second Division club."

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