JAMES Foster says Essex Eagles remain confident despite suffering back-to-back defeats in the One Day Cup, and will be in for a tough fight when they take on Hampshire this afternoon.

Having taken five points from their first three games, Essex were setting the pace in Group B.

But defeats to Glamorgan on Friday and against Notts Outlaws on Sunday saw them slip to third in the standings, behind today’s opponents who have played a game fewer than Paul Grayson’s side.

And wicketkeeper Foster says the group is still confident of progressing in the competition.

“We tried our best but our best wasn’t good enough,” he said.

“Sometimes, you just have to acknowledge the quality performances of individual opposition and on Sunday, James Taylor and Samit Patel were quite superb,” he said.

“There was a fair bit of pressure on them when they started their partnership because we’d bowled well for the first 15 to 20 overs or so and we were probably in the box seat at that time.

"They played exceptionally well, both have international experience but it was one incredible achievement to put on a 200 runs partnership particularly in a one-day game when you’ve lost three wickets for not many.

"We tried our best with the ball but those two guys were outstanding and didn’t give one single chance.

“We batted extremely badly at Cardiff on Friday and that happens from time to time when the wheels fall off but that’s cricket and these things happen.

"At least against Notts we put in a much better performance but were only outdone by two very good batters.

“The confidence is still high, we’ve played some very good cricket in all formats and we go to Hampshire with the belief that we can win the game.

"They are a serious outfit and we are mindful that we haven’t been particularly successful down there, so we have no option but to come fighting hard.”

Eagles fast bowler Jamie Porter has been selected in the squad and he is also celebrating after he was named on the shortlist for the 2015 Breakthrough Player Award.

One of seven young stars that recognises emerging young talent in the domestic four-day game, 22-year-old Porter has claimed 49 wickets in 14 first-class matches, including six wickets against the Australians last month.

“Jamie has been a breath of fresh air this season,” said Essex head coach Grayson.

“He’s shown he can bowl in all sorts of conditions, and his ratio for knocking over top order batsmen is one of the best in the country.”