The start of the first day's play at Bath Cricket 2002 Festival was delayed until mid afternoon because of the damp conditions.

Having won the toss and decided to put Hampshire into bat when the players did take the field returning fast bowler Richard Johnson quickly got back into his stride and with the score on 6 sent opener Derek Kenway back to the pavilion after having him caught by Peter Bowler.

Will Kendall and Giles White put on 82 before Simon Francis, playing against his old county, accounted for White. Francis struck again 10 runs later when he disposed of Robin Smith for 10 to make the visitors 98 for 3.

Kendall and Neil Johnson remained steadfast until the close of play by which time Hampshire had reached 149 for 3 off 48 overs, with Kendall unbeaten on 70.

After the close of play Somerset coach Kevin Shine told me: " I feel OK about the day,there has been some good stuff, but perhaps it could have been a little bit better. We bowled short at times, but we didn't have a lot of luck."

The coach continued: "Johnno had an excellent comeback, it was just like he'd never been away, and there have been no repercussions, and once Simon Francis settled down he looked dangerous at times. Tomorrow we will be looking to get some quick wickets early on."

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