SKIPPER Alex Gidman said he felt "proud" after Gloucestershire recorded their first County Championship win of the season against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl.

They wrapped up a thrilling 33-run victory with just a few overs left on the final day to bounce back from their opening defeat by an innings against Essex in style.

Set 290 to win, Hampshire fought back from 72-6 to close in on an unlikely win as Michael Bates (87) and Chris Wood (65) put on 118 for the seventh wicket, but they lost their last three wickets for ten runs.

Will Gidman claimed 4-66, bowling Bates and Hamza Riazuddin (28) in the 75th over of Hampshire's innings, before David Payne (3-56) bowled David Balcombe for six to seal the win.

"I'm so proud because it was a massive win for us," said Alex Gidman.

"We had a tough winter and a tough opening game so it was great to prove to ourselves that we can be a really competitive unit.

"The guys have gone crazy in the dressing room afterwards, as much out of relief as anything. We have been in a real dogfight over the last four days and to come out on top is a great feeling.

"There were only a couple of full overs left in the game when we got the final wicket so it was a close run thing. The new ball seamed around as it had done all match and it was just as well we took so many wickets before it went soft.

"As their target got closer, I think Hampshire fancied their chances of winning, which may well of helped us.

"I'm so pleased for the players because they have worked really hard during the winter."

Thornbury product Chris Dent sent Gloucestershire on their way as he hit a highest ever first class score of 114, sharing 133 with Ian Cockbain (64) for the fifth wicket, with Balcombe taking eight wickets.

Hampshire were then bowled out for 199, despite Australian international Simon Katich scoring 74, as Will Gidman finished with figures of 5-48.

Gloucestershire slumped to 174 all out in their second innings, but Hampshire fell short on 256.

Gidman’s side continue their travels with a four-day match starting at Kent on Thursday.