Hampshire 'have to do better next year' - Dawson

Hampshire dramatically survived the drop thanks to Yorkshire beating Durham

Hampshire all-rounder Liam Dawson said the club's dramatic survival in Division One of the County Championship has left him feeling "relieved" but is also aware "they have to do better" after a disappointing season.

They looked destined for relegation on Saturday after failing to beat Surrey in their final game and relegation rivals Durham seemingly on course to draw with Yorkshire.

A draw for Durham would have been enough to send Hampshire down but they dramatically fell apart in their second innings as Yorkshire bowled them all out for 85.

"It feels pretty surreal to be honest," Dawson told BBC Radio Solent.

"For Yorkshire to do what they have done, everybody at the club can't thank every one of those players enough for what they contributed to that win.

"There's lots of relief right now but also disappointment for how we have played this season, but we now have a chance to put it right still in the top division.

"We're a big club that is used to being in the top end of the table, challenging and winning things, it's not been good enough and next year we have to do a lot better."

At the start of the season Dawson had said winning the four-day competition was a personal career goal.

The club was given an eight-point deduction and fined £5,000 for a "substandard pitch" during their home match against Sussex in May.

"We were dead and buried and looking at Division Two," Dawson added.

"It is our fault for the position we were in but we have got away with it, this season hasn't gone to plan and that's the players' fault for not performing.

"We're relieved as a group but there is nothing to celebrate, it's been a really disappointing year and we all know that.

"We have been given a lifeline and next year we have to show more character, more toughness and we have to believe we can win big games of cricket."