IT was a frustrating day at the Brightside Ground in Bristol as a wet outfield, bad light and early evening rain meant only 26 overs were bowled on the first day of the Specsavers' County Championship second division game between Gloucestershire and Derbyshire.

Having failed three inspections and with the sides having had an early lunch, the damp outfield was finally declared playable at 2pm.

Derbyshire, having been invited to bat first, made a brisk start to their first innings with Luis Reece, who was dropped on nine by Chris Dent at slip, and Ben Slater looking in decent touch.

However, having added 65 for the first wicket in 15 overs, Reece was trapped leg before by Matt Taylor for 13.

It was the beginning of a decent period for the hosts, who by their own admission, had started the day slowly.

"The ball did enough for us, but we didn't put it in the right areas," said Gloucestershire captain Phil Mustard.

"To be honest, I thought we were a bit slow out of the blocks."

Still, having taken the scalp of Reece, Taylor struck again, two overs later when he bowled Slater for 45 at 74 for 2.

"There were one or two early chances that went begging, but I felt we got better as the day went on," added Mustard.

Slater, who batted well, said; "It was difficult to bat when the bowlers put the ball in the right areas.

"So, we made sure we hit the bad balls and put some runs on the board.

"For me, it was nice to get a few runs, but would have been nicer to have gone past 50.

"Myself and Luis did put on 50 plus for the first wicket and we helped to take the shine off the ball for the batsmen behind us.

"Hopefully, we will get some sun tomorrow and we can sit back and watch the lads get some runs."

Having reached 104 for 2 with Wayne Madsen unbeaten on 24 and Alex Hughes 10 not out, the rain began to fall and the skies began to darken.

The umpires had one or two looks thereafter, but no further play was possible.

Mustard added; "There is nothing you can do about the weather, but I'm sure we will all wake up in the morning hoping for the best.