Glos suffer hangover on Day 1

Day 1: Glos 131-6 v Kent

After last week's epic win versus Hampshire, captain Alex Gidman was quoted on the official site as saying 'There may be a few beers drunk tonight and they will be fully deserved'. As the Jessop Tavern View is only too aware after a recent stag do, too much alcohol can lead to a hangover and  reduced effectiveness on days to come. Well, today's effort with the bat has certainly proved that, as Gloucestershire struggled to 131-6 on a rain-affected day in Canterbury where 42 overs were lost to the elements.

Kent won the toss and understandably sent Gloucestershire in. Last week's centurion, Chris Dent, followed that knock with a second ball dismissal here and Richard Coughtrie followed for 3 five overs later. Coughtrie has now scored under 20 runs in 5 championship knocks as an opener and you wonder how long he can continue at the top of the order with Cockbain also in the side.

Newcomer Benny Howell batted well on debut for a hard-earned 44, before becoming one of Matt Coles' three victims. Skipper Gidman and O'Mish both failed again before the reliable pair of Cockbain and the better Gidders repaired some of the damage with a partnership of 58, before Cockbain fell in the last over of the day, unluckily caught in the gully off the inside edge.

Some hard work will be needed tomorrow, although the rain looks likely to take time out of the game on all four days, which may well prove to be the shire's saviour. Still, who would be unhappy with a win, a loss and a draw from three away championship games in April?