WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids took another significant step towards the knockout stages of the Metro Bank One Day Cup as they overcame Hampshire by eight wickets.

An excellent all-round performance with the ball and then bat secured a fifth win in seven games for the second-placed Rapids.

It keeps them on course to clinch the top three spot needed to go through to the next stage of the 50-over tournament.

Victory also maintained the Rapids a 100 per cent home record in the competition after previous victories over Middlesex, Durham and Kent.

With eight senior players sidelined through injury, Worcestershire’s inexperienced and young attack again performed admirably to dismiss Hampshire for 164 in 47.4 overs.

Hampshire will console themselves with the fact they are still in contention themselves to qualify despite a below-par performance and a third setback of the campaign.

Hampshire made changes with Joe Weatherley, released to play by Southern Brave, and Mohammad Abbas coming in for Joseph Eckland and Eddie Jack.

Captain Nick Gubbins opted to bat on winning the toss on the same wicket used for Wednesday’s encounter against Kent.