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Stephenson sets up Hampshire

David Green at Bristol

Hampshire (211-9) bt Gloucestershire (191) by 20 runs

Having paraded the Benson and Hedges Super Cup before a crowd of 6,500 at Nevil Road, Gloucestershire were brought back to earth with defeat by Hampshire, despite a magnificent 91 from their captain, Mark Alleyne.

Hampshire won deservedly. Having chosen to bat on a slowish pitch they began with a stand of 124 between Derek Kenway and Jason Laney, who needed some fortune but played handsomely.

Intelligent bowling from Alleyne and Jeremy Snape brought a sharp decline from 124 for nought after 26 overs to 159 for five in the 38th, but John Stephenson remained to play a most valuable innings.

Assisted by Shaun Udal Stephenson lifted Hampshire with a violent innings. He took 20 off an over from Michael Cawdron and his 38 runs came from only 28 balls.

Gloucestershire began poorly, losing Tim Hancock lbw in the fourth over, and errors against an accurate attack saw them slump to 34 for three. Alleyne and Matt Windows responded with a partnership of 92.

Alleyne, very much the senior partner, lost Windows to a fine catch on the cover fence off Nixon McLean. From that point Hampshire were well in control.

Alleyne continued the fight and had hit a six and six fours when Stephenson held a stinging return catch.