It will be remembered though for different reasons by Matt Church, yet to establish himself in Gloucestershire's side, and Jack Russell, their wicketkeeper since the early Eighties.

Church, signed from Worcester last summer, won the Gold Award in his first cup match, top-scoring with 64 in a fifth-wicket stand of 127 with Tony Wright, who finished on 59.

They came together as the home side were sliding away and Church, impressive and with a full open action, hit nine boundaries, as did his partner, in their 27 overs.

Russell had a different experience, handing over the gloves to his deputy, Reggie Williams, and playing purely as a batsman. He took a catch, spilled one, and going in No 3 was out to his seventh ball without scoring.

Coach John Bracewell said: ``We did it to freshen up his game and to rest his sore knees. When I first told him what we had in mind he looked blank but was as enthusiastic in the end as a schoolboy.''

Hampshire, deciding to go in first on a soft Bristol wicket, were quickly bogged down by Mike Smith before Giles White was run out.

Robin Smith, chasing outside his off, was then caught at the wicket, Matt Keech departed to a brilliant catch by Wright at short extra and Bill Kendall drove a long hop into Robert Cunliffe's hands.

John Stephenson and Dimitri Mascarenhas both made 53 in a fifth-wicket stand before they fell to catches in the deep.