IT IS not yet known what sort of stigma will be attached to being in the Second Division of the new National League but, having suffered their fourth defeat in five matches, Middlesex could be about to find out.

Hampshire appeared to be on target for a considerable total after Giles White and John Stephenson had shared an opening partnership of 96 in 22 overs. However, White missed a full toss from Paul Weekes and Hampshire missed the chance to put the match beyond the reach of depleted opponents.

All the batsmen made a contribution, with the promoted Nixon McLean and later Dimitri Mascarenhas providing the most explosive entertainment, but the general progress failed to fulfil the potential of the start.

The target, however, took on an altogether more substantial appearance when Cardigan Connor bowled Mike Gatting with the third ball of the first over and then accounted for Andrew Strauss three balls later.

Richard Kettleborough did his best to fill the role vacated by Justin Langer, without being able to match his scoring rate. The usual late flurry took Middlesex to within striking range but the Hampshire bowlers held their nerve to rekindle their own form in the competition.