Vince and Dawson guide Hants

James Vince and Liam Dawson both struck half centuries as Hampshire shaded the first day of their Championship Division Two match against Glamorgan in a sun-drenched Cardiff. Vince and Dawson, with a partnership of 132 in 40 overs, helped Hampshire to 274 for 5 at the close of the opening day with both sides looking for their second win of the four-day campaign.

Glamorgan toiled in the heat on a slow pitch with Australian seamer Michael Hogan the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 44 from his 23 overs, helping to keep the Hampshire rate below three runs an over. Despite losing Vince in the evening session the patient Dawson showed determination in batting for four hours and 13 minutes for his contribution.

After winning an important toss on a batsman-friendly slow pitch Hampshire cruised to 80 for 1 in the opening session. Openers Michael Carberry and Jimmy Adams produced a stand of 76 before slow left-armer Dean Cosker struck three overs before lunch. Carberry, who made a patient 31 from 95 balls with five fours, was dismissed when he was caught at mid-on by Stewart Walters.

Glamorgan, who were looking to transfer their unbeaten form from the Friends Life t20 competition, included opener Gareth Rees for the injured Will Bragg in his first start of the season.

After lunch Hampshire suffered two further setbacks in the hot conditions. Three short of his half century visiting captain Adams edged Will Owen to Walters at second slip. And 93 for 2 became 118 for 3 when South African Neil McKenzie was bowled by Hogan, who registered the first bowling point for Glamorgan. The two wickets fell in the space of 7.3 overs.

Hampshire's post-lunch setbacks were overcome as fourth-wicket pair Vince, who drove well, and Dawson reached tea both 41 not out with their side 183 for 3. In the evening session both Vince and Dawson completed their half centuries but the second new ball saw Glamorgan launch a mini fightback.

Just after Hampshire secured a second batting point Hogan claimed his second wicket of the day to trap Vince in front and three overs later Sean Ervine was caught by Walters at second slip after edging Jim Allenby. Dawson and Adam Wheater survived any further scares to take Hampshire to stumps in a solid position.