Carberry century earns Hampshire victory.

Carberry found a return to form with an
unbeaten century versus Gloucestershire. 

Hampshire cruised to an eight-wicket victory over Gloucestershire, after a return to form for Michael Carberry, who struck an unbeaten century to guide the visitor’s home comfortably.

Carberry was ably assisted by first innings centurion, James Vince (58*), as the pair shared 101 for the third wicket stand, in which Vince struck twelve boundaries in just 36 deliveries.

Resuming on 308-8, Gloucestershire added 24 runs this morning and with overnight batsmen, Hamish Marshall targeting his century, the hosts were dealt an early blow.

Marshall added ten runs to his overnight score of 84 before he became Kyle Abbot’s seventh scalp of the match, as Gloucestershire were all out for 332, setting Hampshire 215 to achieve their first win of the season. 

The Hampshire run-chase began with the confidence necessary to earn a fourth-day victory, as Carberry and captain, Jimmy Adams (23), shared a stand worth 57 to get the visitors off to a steady start.

After a long run without runs, many feared that the first loss of the innings would be that of the England exile, Carberry, but were surprised when Adams was trapped LBW to Matthew Taylor (1-26).

Liam Dawson (25) came to the crease and shared another creditable partnership with Carberry worth 67 runs as Hampshire raced towards a seemingly achievable target with ease.

Dawson fell with the score at 114-2, providing Will Gidman with his fifth wicket of the match but, as Vince joined Carberry, their was a degree of confidence about Hampshire, one which took full shape in this partnership.

Carberry’s efforts had been momentarily eclipsed by Vince’s onslaught of the Gloucestershire bowlers, but he recaptured the crowds attention, finishing the match with consecutive sixes off Chris Dent, simultaneously bringing up his century in 131 balls, to end the match in style.

The pair struck a combined total of 31 boundaries as Hampshire chased 215 inside 47 overs, ensuring that they would achieve the full allocation of 24 points to give their ambitions for promotion an early boost.

The only disappointment on an otherwise perfect day for the visitors proved to be the news that wicketkeeper, Adam Wheater, has sustained a broken finger, which will come as a disappointment after he made such an impact on the match with the gloves and bat.

Points: Hampshire 24, Gloucestershire 6.

Man of the match: Without a doubt, the contributions of James Vince in both innings, put him above everybody else in this match. He has relished the responsibility of vice captain and with scores of 144 and 58 not out he is already delivering in an important season for Hampshire.