Hampshire seconds secured a superb victory to put the seal on what has been an outstanding season. They emphatically beat Warwickshire by an innings and 86 runs, taking maximum points and ending as Championship winners by a clear margin.

Going into the final day 192 runs ahead, with the opposition 40-1, the young guns produced one of their seasons best sessions of bowling. In two hours of play, Hampshire took 8 wickets for just 58 runs, and the manner in which they achieved this feat epitomised the high standards they have set this season. Simon Francis and James Hamblin bowled unchanged for over an hour, and put Warwickshire deep into a mire that the away team were never going to recover from.

Francis ended with figures of 5-44, and in doing so picked up his 18th wicket in the three games he has played since returning from a back injury. He had James Adams to thank in part, as the Winchester lad grabbed three great catches in the gully.

Hamblin once again bowled excellently, and his probing line and length, together with consistent away swing saw him to figures of 2-27 from 15 overs, finishing the season with 46 championship wickets.

James Schofield chipped in with two wickets, as he proved a touch too quick for both his victims. They hit short balls straight in the air, both well caught by Andy Sexton.

Irfan Shah took one wicket, and Warwickshire were finally dismissed for 147 in the afternoon session.

The Second XI will be awarded the Championship Trophy during the interval of the first teams National League game, on Sunday at The Rose Bowl.

© Hants CCC