RAIN killed off any hopes Hampshire had of victory in their latest championship match at Cheltenham.

One complete day was lost to the weather on Thursday and then, on Saturday, the Hampshire second innings was halted on 40-1 at 3pm when the rain returned. On the opening day of the match, Hampshire bowled out the home side for 334. Matthew Windows top-scored with 91, supported by Christopher Taylor (56), the pair putting on 137 for the third wicket.

The pick of the Hampshire attack was Shaun Udal, who took 4-76, while Neil Johnson helped out with 3-55.

When the visitors finally got to bat on the third day of the match they struggled and only Johnson (72) and Jason Laney, with an unbeaten 52, got to grips with the home bowling.

Hampshire were bowled out for 230 after 56 overs.

That gave Gloucestershire a lead of 104 which was exactly doubled by the close of play for the loss of just one wicket.

The home side continued to pile on the runs on the final day with Kim Barnett top-scoring with 93 before becoming one of three Udal victims in the second innings.

The Gazette columnist ended the game with figures of 7-161 as the home side declared on 245-6.

That left Hampshire a target of 350 which they weren't allowed to chase properly as the rain killed off the match after 22 overs.

Derek Kenway was the only man out, for 17, and Giles White (12 not out) and Will Kendall (11 not out) were unparted when the rain returned.