Knowing that a victory would guarentee them a place in the top flight next season, Warwicks won the toss and put Hampshire into bat.
It was a good decision as Michael Carberry was first out, caught by Clarke off the bowling of Chris Woakes for seven. Then with the score on 31, the other opener Jimmy Adams was trapped lbw by Darren Maddy.
Eleven runs later and Maddy got a second wicket when he bowled Hughes and when Vince was caught by Ian Bell two balls later, Hampshire were reeling at 42-4.
Dawson and Irvine added 29 before the latter was caught by Maddy and Bates went for 2 from 26 balls, it was 85-6.
Dominic Cork came to the crease with Dawson and the pair added 62 more runs before play was ended for the day.