Cricket: Another helping of misery for the Bears

WARWICKSHIRE WERE condemned to Second Division cricket in the National League next season as well as the County Championship after a controversial abandonment of their match with Hampshire at Edgbaston.

The decisive final fixture was called off with Hampshire 76 for 6 after 9.1 overs in reply to Warwickshire's 114 for 5 in an 11-over game.

Gloucestershire Gladiators ended their National League season with a victory by four runs over Kent Spitfires on the Duckworth-Lewis method at Canterbury. The players went off with Gloucestershire on 120 for five after 25 overs, still needing 29 runs in six overs from a match reduced to 31 overs following a delayed start.

Heavy rain spoilt Tom Moody's farewell party when Worcestershire Royals' National League First Division match against the champions, Lancashire Lightning, was washed out without a ball being bowled at New Road. The wash-out left Lancashire six points clear of the runners-up, Worcestershire.

Tony Cottey was the hero as Sussex claimed their first trophy in 13 years when they lifted the National League Second Division title at Derby. Cottey hit an unbeaten 28 from 14 balls to give Sussex a seven-wicket win in a game reduced to 10 overs by rain.

Somerset had to be content with runners-up position in the Second Division, despite a 29-run victory over Northants at Taunton. The home side posted a formidable 209 for 9 in a match reduced to 25 overs per side with Piran Holloway top-scoring on 54. Northants could manage only 180 in reply.

In a game reduced to 34 overs, Glamorgan, batting first, were dismissed by Middlesex for a paltry 99 in 31.2 overs. Middlesex won with five wickets and five overs to spare.