Hampshire manager Giles White has challenged his side to continue their good four-day form against county champions Durham this week.

The Hawks suffered a third successive Natwest Pro40 defeat against title hopefuls Somerset yesterday.

But after confirming Worcestershire’s demotion with a ten-wicket win at New Road on Friday, Hampshire are 16 points clear of second-from-bottom Sussex, who occupy the LV County Champonship’s last relegation place.

Sussex play third-from-bottom Yorkshire in a huge game at Hove this week and Hampshire could not be playing the champions at a better time.

But they are wary that Durham are determined to finish the season unbeaten – and with as many points as possible.

White’s side are now sixth, but could easily finish in the top five as they are six points behind Lancashire with a game in hand.

The Hampshire manager warned: “We did ourselves a big favour against Worcestershire but that can change very quickly if we don’t put in a good performance against Durham.

“We’re very conscious that a lot can change in a couple of days and we’ll try and make sure we don’t put ourselves under pressure again.

“We’ve reacted very well to being under pressure but it’s vital we don’t take our foot off the gas because the job’s not done.”

Hampshire (from): Adams, Dawson, Lumb, Vince, Ervine, Pothas, Mascarenhas, Cork, Tahir, Griffiths, Tomlinson, Tremlett, Briggs For full story and more Hampshire Cricket, don't miss today's Daily Echo.