Hampshire's relegation from Division One was confirmed after they managed only a draw against Sussex at Hove

Robin Smith's side had to beat their hosts to stand a chance of survival.

But their one remaining fixture, against champions Surrey, will be played in the knowledge that Division Two beckons in season 2003.

James Kirtley carried on where he left off on Saturday, finishing with six wickets as Hampshire were bowled out for 401 and made to follow on.

Resuming play on 276 for four, Hampshire lost John Francis (48) and Nic Pothas (eight), both to Kevin Innes, in quick succession.

But Smith was in good touch, hitting seven fours and reaching 60 before his stumps were crashed by Kirtley.

Hampshire were then left without their rudder as the tail gave way without much of a struggle.

The last four wickets fell for 38 runs, Kirtley wrapping things up to finish with the good figures of six for 107. It was his 24th five-wicket haul at this level.

Sussex enforced the follow-on and sniffed an unlikely win, but Hampshire stood firm in reaching 67 for one in 37 overs before stumps were drawn.

For their part, Sussex are not out of danger and they will want to beat Warwickshire in their last match to ensure they do not join Hampshire in Division Two.

Sussex: R R Montgomerie, M W Goodwin, P A Cottey, C J Adams (Capt), T R Ambrose, R S C Martin-Jenkins, M J Prior (Wkt), K J Innes, M J G Davis, R J Kirtley, B V Taylor.

Hampshire: J S Laney, N C Johnson, J H K Adams, R A Smith (Capt), J D Francis, W S Kendall, N Pothas (Wkt), A D Mascarenhas, S D Udal, A D Mullally, J A Tomlinson.

Umpires: V A Holder and B Leadbeater