SKIPPER Chris Read paid tribute to the efforts of his Notts' team-mates after losing out in the County Championship title race to first-time champions Durham.

Notts lost by 204 runs against Hampshire at Trent Bridge, which saw the north-easteners take the Division One crown after victory at Kent earlier in the day.

It is the second time in two weeks Notts have had silverware snatched away from them at the last moment after defeat in their Pro40 League decider with Sussex.

But the wicket-keeper remains immensely proud of what his side have achieved, despite losing some of their best players to England.

"We have fallen at the final hurdle but all credit to the boys," said Read.

"We have changed three out of the top five in the batting order and we have had Darren Pattinson coming in for the first time who has had a fantastic year.

"Ryan Sidebottom and Stuart Broad have not been around and the same for Graeme Swann and Samit Patel for some of the time so it has been a massive squad effort and I applaud every one of them."

Notts accrued just an eight-run first innings lead after squandering a position on 170-3 to be bowled out for 211 in reply to Hampshire's 203.

Read felt that was crucial as Hampshire went on to pile up a massive score of 449-5 declared on a wicket that eased as the game went on.

He said: "I think it (the collapse of the second day) was a massive turning point.

"Having said that, even if we'd managed to get a lead of 150 I think it would have been hard bowling them out in the second innings with the wicket as it was, as it proved.

"It was pretty dispiriting that I was getting the ball through at ankle height from bowlers who have bowled brilliantly all year. That is the first time I have ever stood up to Charlie Shreck in my career.

"It was a flat day, but it was a flat pitch but I thought we stuck at it well and to keep them below three an over was a good effort.

As a result of Hampshire's batting dominance, Notts were forced to chase 442 in 76 overs at a run-rate of 5.81.

That equation never looked on and as the hosts threw the bat, the wickets tumbled steadily and they were all out for 238.

"This afternoon was always going to be tough but in a way it was enjoyable to play with freedom," said Read.

"We could have blocked out for a draw but we genuinely believed we had an outside chance, however unlikely."

Director of cricket Mick Newell felt Notts could have secured the victory they needed had they made a bigger first innings score.

He said: "The game was lost on the second day where our batting cost us the game and ultimately the Championship.

"We should have had 350 to 400 on the board and mentally Hampshire would have then approached their second innings very differently.

"We let them back into the game and they sensed the chance to win, but we shouldn't have given them that opportunity.

"I think this is the most disappointing (more than the Pro40 League) because this is the maim competition. You have only got to see how much it means to Durham to see that.

"Fair play to Durham because they have proven themselves to best the best team and so deserve to be champions."

Samit Patel, who top scored in both Notts' innings with 70 and 77 was disappointed his first tilt at the title has ended empty handed.

"We have worked hard all year, especially the bowlers, and I am most disappointed for them," he said.

"They have got us in some good positions and as batters we feel we have let them down, but in cricket it happens.

"We had Hampshire by the neck in this game after managed to bowl them out for 200 and starting well with out batting, but we let them off the hook."

For more reaction see Monday's Evening Post.