Kenway shines amid the showers

Opener Derek Kenway hit an unbeaten half-century as Hampshire looked to make up for lost time after rain washed out the first two sessions of the opening day's play of the CricInfo Championship match at the Rose Bowl.

Hampshire and Gloucestershire were left kicking their heels for the first four hours of the day as heavy overnight rain and frequent showers threatened to wipe out the day's play.

But when the elements relented and Hampshire captain Robin Smith had won the toss his side enjoyed themselves as they tried to make up time.

The spree against a loose Gloucestershire attack was led by Kenway who hit ten boundaries to reach 55 not out by the close of play.

He and vice-captain Will Kendall added 74 for the second wicket in 22 overs before Kendall, who had hit nine fours, edged a catch to wicketkeeper Reggie Williams off Mark Alleyne.

The first wicket to fall was Giles White who received one of the few deliveries to misbehave from a ball off a length to edge a catch to first slip.

But Smith joined Kenway after Kendall's departure to see Hampshire safely through to the close on 122-2 off 42 overs with the Hampshire captain unbeaten on six.