HAMPSHIRE coach Adi Birrell admits "we didn't apply ourselves very well" as his side slumped to a 94-run defeat to Sussex in the opening game of the Bob Willis Trophy.

The hosts took just three days to wrap up the victory, with the lack of score with the bat Birrell's main cause for concern.

Bowled out for 153 in the first innings, Hampshire fell for just 150 on day three as defeat was confirmed, with James Fuller's knock of 30 in the second innings the best any of the visitors could muster.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Birrell said: "In both innings we didn't apply ourselves very well. We didn't bat long.

"Very disappointing and also the manner which we lost wickets was not good.

"It's the first game of the season and it was a great opportunity for a lot of our players, because some of our internationals are overseas and unfortunately we didn't do very well with the bat.

"But there were some positives. Our bowling was good and in the second innings spinners took six of the wickets. (Keith) Barker and (Ian) Holland really bowled tightly and well. Barker in the first innings bowled particularly tightly and then Holland in the second innings. He did very well so we'll take positives from that.

"But unfortunately our top score was 30 and that's not good enough in a first class game. Losing inside three days is also not very good."

Hampshire take on Middlesex at Radlett, starting on Saturday.