JOSH Shaw claimed four wickets as Northants plunged into trouble on the opening day of the Specsavers County Championship match with Gloucestershire at Bristol.

After a delayed start at 2.30pm, only 40 overs were possible. But that was enough for the visitors to crash to 134 for seven after winning the toss, with only Steven Crook (43 not out) making any impression.

Shaw removed both openers on the way to figures of four for 38 from 13 overs. There were two wickets for Craig Miles and one for Kieran Noema-Barnett, who were well supported by the luckless David Payne.

By the time the rain returned to end play for the day just before 6pm, Gloucestershire had taken a firm grip on the game.

After a mopping up operation to nullify the effects of heavy overnight rain, Northants reached 27 without loss before the introduction of Shaw from the Ashley Down Road End induced a collapse.

In the space of his first eight balls, the 20-year-old seaamer, on a season-long loan from Yorkshire, removed Ben Duckett to an edge behind and bowled Rob Newton with a good delivery.

Miles, who switched to the Pavilion End, then sent back Rob Keogh and Alex Wakely to catches at third slip by Michael Klinger.

Adam Rossington was taken at second slip by Chris Dent off Noema-Barnett and at tea Northants were in disarray at 62 for five.

Crook opted for counter-attack and played some handsome shots, sharing a sixth-wicket stand of 51 with Richard Levi before the latter was bowled leg-stump by a full ball from Shaw.

Seekkuge Prasanna smashed Shaw back over his head for a big six over long-on to mark his Championship debut for Northants.

And the Sri Lankan could count himself somewhat unfortunate to be seventh out, the ball after umpires Mike Burns and Martin Saggers had consulted about the light, ruling play could continue.

Shaw picked up his fourth wicket as Prasanna top-edged a pull shot and Payne took a well-judged catch running to his right at fine-leg.

At the end of the over more rain started falling and the players left the field, with Crook having faced 54 balls and hit 7 fours.

His efforts could not disguise a poor Northants batting effort against some disciplined bowling. Miles was the most erratic of the home attack, yet ended the day with two for 54 from 13 overs, while Payne conceded only 29 from 11 overs, going past the bat on numerous occasions.