HAMPSHIRE opened their county championship division one campaign, with a 48-run victory over Gloucestershire at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.

The home side seemed to be staring defeat in the face on Friday when the visitors reached 129 without loss, chasing 252 for victory.

They slumped to 149-5 by the close of play and, on the final day, Billy Taylor took another three wickets for a career best 6-45 as Gloucestershire were bowled out for 203.

On Wednesday, Hampshire skipper Shane Warne's decision to bat looked to have backfired as his side were bowled out for 197, with Simon Katich's unbeaten 72 the only bright spot.

The visitors took control and, by the close, reached 118-2, thanks to 66 from opener Phil Weston.

Hampshire hit back as Warne (3-50) and Taylor (3-38) reduced the visitors to 160-8, only for tail ender Jon Lewis to hit a quickfire 40 in an all-out total of 221.

By the end of the second day Hampshire were struggling at 111-6, but then spin king Warne showed his ability with the bat to score 62 and share an eighth-wicket partnership of 70 with Chris Tremlett (64).

A Hampshire total of 275 set the visitors a target of 252 for victory.

Craig Spearman (66) and Weston (57) took them to 129 before Taylor struck quickly to remove both openers.

Gloucestershire finished the day on 149-5, Taylor claiming three wickets and Warne two.

A sixth-wicket stand of 33 between Alex Gidman (24) and Steve Adshead (18) gave brief hope.

Taylor claimed the final three wickets as Gloucestershire were bowled out for 203 and the former Winchester KS bowler finished with match figures of 9-83.