Kenway and Smith frustrate Gloucestershire

Opener Derek Kenway hit a chanceless century as Hampshire moved themselves into a powerful position on the second day of their CricInfo Championship match against Gloucestershire at the Rose Bowl before rain brought an early end to the day's play.

Kenway and captain Robin Smith shared an unbroken stand of 136 in 47 overs for the third wicket to take Hampshire to 244 for two before rain washed out the final session.

The pair had resumed the day on 122-2 and were quick to seize on any loose deliveries as they moved smoothly along with few alarms.

Kenway resumed the day on 55 not out and brought up the third century of his career soon after lunch off 206 balls which included 17 crisply struck boundaries.

The opener had batted for nearly five hours and hit 20 fours in an unbeaten knock of 124 off 234 deliveries when the weather brought an early close.

Smith, six not out overnight, was content to play second fiddle in the stand to finish the day unbeaten on 55 but his knock included some fierce trademarks square cuts.

Gloucestershire captain Mark Alleyne turned to six bowlers to no avail as he desperately searched for a breakthrough before the rain brought a welcome end to proceedings for the visiting team with more than two hours of play still left.