White: Hampshire gave it their all

The Ageas Bowl side’s two-year stay in County Championship division one ended on the final day of the season – losing by six wickets to Durham.

Hampshire were optimistic of securing a great escape after handing the visitors a total of 296 to chase in their second innings, after declaring on 245 for nine.

But it wasn’t enough as Durham claimed victory with ease, finishing on 287 for four.

White said: ‘We were quite optimistic, and with a bit of luck we could have got over the line.

‘But in the end Durham did it at a canter.

‘The dressing room is disappointed, deflated, it is very tough on the players.

‘One thing or another it has been exhausting for them.

‘I couldn’t ask any more of them but it would have been nice to get a result along the way to take the pressure off but, unfortunately, we are left in the relegation zone.

‘Over the last couple of months we have got ourselves into positions to win games and not had the penetration to take advantage of the situations.

‘Hopefully, we will get our players fit for next season and look to recruit quality players.

‘I feel the players have pulled together with the different circumstances which have been well documented through the season.

‘The team is tight and they deserved to get something out of the season. It is very difficult to end up in this situation.’