Weston and Rhodes keep Hampshire at bay

Wasim bowls to Jonty Rhodes

Centuries from Gloucestershire opener Phil Weston and South African batsman Jonty Rhodes ensured that this Frizzell County Championship Division Two clash went into the fourth day as Hampshire toiled in the hot Sunday sunshine.

The visitors still required 95 to make Hampshire bat again overnight and had already lost Craig Spearman and nightwatchman Mike Smith in the process so many thought that the game - and a win for Hampshire - would be wrapped up with a day to spare.

However, the West Countrymen knew that they had a good two days to bat out and negotiated the first to close with a lead of 237 and the forecast very possibly on their side for Monday.

Weston, carrying on from his steady 39 in the first innings, played patiently alongside Chris Taylor as the pair added 62 for the third wicket which edged them close to lunch. Taylor was snapped up by the persevering Udal, caught Robin Smith at short leg for 31.

But this only brought in Rhodes to record his highest score for his adopted county and his highest since his unbeaten 57 against Hampshire at Bristol some six weeks ago. He had not been in the best of forms of late - but made serious amends against a Hampshire attack which was to lose Alan Mullally to a hamstring strain.

The injury will see him miss the four-day trip to spinner-friendly Northampton starting on Wednesday.

Weston went to his first century for Gloucestershire - he moved from Worcestershire in the closed season - but perished just two balls later when he nibbled an edge to Pothas off Ed Giddins.

Gloucestershire were working in good partnerships throughout as Hampshire tried to eke out every wicket on a pitch which seems to have improved in its trustworthiness as the game has progressed.

Weston and Rhodes added 96, Rhodes and Windows 75, Rhodes' stand with Gidman and Harvey both realised 31 while his partnership with Ball posted 27. It was hard work for Hampshire's bowlers in dislodging the resistance.

But it was Rhodes with a delightful innings of 134 not out, coming from 251 balls and including 12 fours and three sixes - one of which, off Giddins, took some seven minutes for the ball to be found!

The needless run out of wicket-keeper Stephen Pope helped Hampshire finish off the day on a high, but chasing down approximately 250 will be a challenge on a wicket which could be freshened up a bit by some forecast heavy overnight rain and thunder.