GLOUCESTERSHIRE produced a vastly improved performance but fell to their fourth successive Friends Provident t20 defeat against defending champions Hampshire at The King’s School.

The Gladiators were well placed on 78-1 in pursuit of 166 to win just before the halfway stage, but lost by nine runs despite Alex Gidman’s unbeaten 43 from 25 balls.

Neil McKenzie struck 89 not out from 53 balls to help Hampshire reach 165-4 with left-arm spinner Ed Young doing his best to keep the visitors in check with 2-14.

Gloucestershire made a decent start to their response with openers Kevin O’Brien and Hamish Marshall briskly hitting 22 and 33 respectively before Hampshire’s experienced bowlers put on the brakes.

Skipper Gidman remained defiant and took the game to the final over with 17 required, but Hampshire’s wily skipper Dominic Cork ensured there was no late drama as the Gladiators finished on 156-6.

Gloucestershire face Surrey in the second and final day of the Gloucester Festival this evening (5.30pm) with England international Kevin Pietersen set to play for the visitors.