Howell, Gidman restrict Derbyshire

In-form Will Gidman and Benny Howell took two wickets apiece as Gloucestershire enjoyed much the better of a rain-affected first day against Derbyshire.

Play did not start until after lunch but visiting Gloucestershire made the most of the 71 overs that were available as they reduced Derbyshire to 166 for 6. Most of Derbyshire's batsmen made starts but none managed to really push on, with opener Paul Borrington top-scoring with 42 and captain Wayne Madsen contributing 33 before both fell with the score on 78.

Allrounder Scott Elstone, fresh from penning a two-year contract extension with the county, was unbeaten on 36 at the close but it was in the main a day dominated by the ball after Gloucestershire had won the toss and opted to field.

The Westcountry side are missing three key pacemen through injury but in Will Gidman they have a bowler in fine form and he needed just six deliveries to make the breakthrough as he sent back Stephen Moore for 1, caught by his brother Alex at first slip.

Gidman, who claimed a seven-wicket haul in Gloucestershire's 290-run win over Kent last time out, also sent back the dangerous Madsen - caught by former England wicketkeeper Geraint Jones on his debut after joining on loan from Kent. That came soon after Borrington had been run out attempting a third run as Division Two's bottom side Derbyshire slumped to 78 for 3.

Borrington's departure ended a promising 77-run stand with his skipper and brought Marcus North - brought in to cover for Shivnarine Chanderpaul - to the wicket for his first Championship appearance for the county since 2006.

North, the veteran Australian, was in scintillating form during his first short stint with Derbyshire, scoring 465 runs at an average of 93, but he could only make 11 here before he shouldered arms to Howell and saw his stumps shattered. Howell also struck next, having Alex Hughes caught by James Fuller at midwicket for 16 to make it 123 for 5.

Derbyshire wicketkeeper Gareth Cross sought to launch a counterattack but, after hitting Tom Smith for a straight six, he was trapped lbw by Fuller having struck the bowler for successive boundaries off his previous two balls.

That proved to be the final wicket of the day for Gloucestershire, although they almost snared Elstone before the close as well with the diving Jones unable to take the chance to give Elstone a late reprieve.