SHANE WARNE hailed Hampshire's south coast derby with Sussex as 'an exceptional game of cricket'.

Hampshire were set 285 to win in their second innings, and needed 196 on Saturday's final day, with seven wickets remaining.

After a rain delayed start, they only had 40 overs in which to get them.

But, after nightwatchman Billy Taylor and John Crawley had departed in successive balls, Kevin Pietersen's first first class runs for Hampshire (61 from 51 balls) and Sean Ervine's maiden championship half century contributed to a sixth-wicket stand of 113 in 20 overs.

It put Hampshire in a position where they only needed 42 from ten overs, with both Pietersen and Ervine (57 from 78 balls) at the crease.

But Pietersen top-edged the next ball as he attempted to sweep Mushtaq Ahmed to end a pulsating innings that included three sixes - two off Mushtaq Ahmed and one off James Kirtley - to put Hampshire in a winning position.

When Pietersen went, so too did Hampshire's chances of a second successive victory, but it was another gutsy performance from Warne and his men.

Hampshire captain Warne said: "We played extremely well to get ourselves into a winning position. To get so close was a fantastic effort.

"Unfortunately we lost a few wickets and, with a few new batters, it always makes a big difference.

"We showed we're a tough side to play against over four days and that there's a fair bit of spirit and fight in us."

If it was not for the rain, Hampshire would have had another 68 overs in which to get the runs.

"I would have backed us to win the game if we had a full day's play on the last day because of the batters we have, so to get the rain was a shame," added Warne.

"But credit to both sides. Most would have said it was too wet when given the chance to get 196 runs in 40 overs but we thought we could win and Sussex thought they could roll us over if they got one or two quick wickets.

"It made for an exceptional four-day game because it was tough and pretty intense."

When Ervine holed out to deep mid-wicket, 29 runs were needed from 34 balls with two wickets remaining.

The Hampshire new boy said: "It was just a pity that Kevin and I got out at critical times.

"We can take a lot of positives from the game but not winning was a definite negative. It was in our favour."

With Nic Pothas and Shaun Udal at the crease - and Mushtaq and Kirtley bowling - Hampshire needed 22 runs from the last four overs, and decided to settle for the draw.

Warne added: "Nic and Shaggy are experienced cricketers and it was the right thing to do.

"James Kirtley bowled an extremely good over and, with Mushie having another couple, we realised we could lose a game that we should have won.

"It's pretty hard to take a big risk like going for the win in that situation because to lose the game would have been a huge downer so all credit to them for hanging in there.

"Sometimes you don't have to win to show a bit of character and toughness."

Hampshire closed on 267-8, 18 runs adrift of the victory target set by the 2003 county champions.

Warne added: "Sussex play extremely well at Hove. they've won a lot of home games in the last few years and they fought and showed that they're a pretty good side so this was a pretty good indication of where we're at.

"We would have liked to have got an extra 14 points but to start the championship with one win and a winning draw, if there is such a thing, is pretty good."