Gloucestershire lose at home against Hampshire

TOBY Albert anchored Hampshire to a hard-fought five-wicket Vitality Blast triumph over South Group rivals Gloucestershire at the Seat Unique Stadium floodlights in Bristol.

The 23-year-old academy product top scored with 41 not out from 32 balls, and a match-winning stand of 61 for the fifth wicket with James Fuller, as the visitors chased down a modest victory target of 125 on a used pitch with 19 balls to spare.

But they were made to fight hard by Gloucestershire’ seamer David Payne, who took 3-17 in four overs to at least make a game of it.

Hampshire’s second successive win was founded upon a disciplined performance from their seam bowlers, John Turner claiming 3-24 and Chris Wood, Michael Neser and Fuller each weighing in with two wickets apiece as Gloucestershire were bowled out for 124 in 18.2 overs.

Cameron Bancroft top scored with 29, Beau Webster made 28 and Matt Taylor hit a quickfire 27, but the hosts never really recovered from the loss of early wickets.

Overseas signings Bancroft and Webster staged a recovery of sorts after losing Miles Hammond and James Bracey, the Australians adding 45 in five overs.

Veteran left arm seamer Payne removed both Hampshire openers Ben McDermott and Vince inside his first two overs before pinning Nick Gubbins lbw for 14 as the visitors lurched to 31 for three.

Joe Weatherley (24) was trapped in front by De Lange as Albert took centre stage, with former Gloucestershire man Fuller (27), who fell late on, providing solid support as Hampshire won by five wickets.