TOBY Albert anchored Hampshire Hawks to a five-wicket Vitality Blast triumph over South Group rivals Gloucestershire at the Seat Unique Stadium on Friday.

The 23 year old top-scored with 41 not out from 32 balls as part of a match-winning stand of 61 for the fifth wicket with James Fuller as the visitors chased down their target of 125.

But they were made to work hard by Gloucestershire bowler David Payne, who took 3 for 17 in four overs to at least make a game of it.

A disciplined performance from Hampshire's seam bowling unit helped the Utilita Bowl side to their second successive victory.

John Turner claimed three for 24 in 3.2 overs, while Chris Wood, Michael Neser, and Fuller each weighed in with two wickets as Gloucestershire were bowled out for 124 in 18.2 overs.

Hampshire captain James Vince also produced a brilliant piece of fielding to run out Ben Charlesworth without scoring.

Gloucestershire's Cameron Bancroft top-scored with 29, Beau Webster made 28 and Matt Taylor hit a quickfire 27, but the hosts never really recovered from the loss of early wickets.

Veteran left-arm seamer Payne removed Hampshire openers Ben McDermott and James Vince early before his next over saw him pin Nick Gubbins lbw for 14.

Joe Weatherley did a good job of calming any nerves in the Hampshire camp, scoring 24 in 25 balls and dominating a stand of 32 in 4.4 overs with Albert.

He then fell lbw to Marchant de Lange but the Hawks were still well placed, requiring 57 runs to win.

Albert and Fuller then took centre stage to get within sight of the victory and despite the latter being bowled by Ajeet Singh Dale, Benny Howell hit the winning runs with 3.1 overs left.

Hampshire's Fuller impressed with bat and ball against Gloucestershire.Hampshire's Fuller impressed with bat and ball against Gloucestershire. (Image: PA)

Speaking after the victory, Albert admitted it was difficult to bat on the surface but revealed it got easier the longer you were out there.

He said: "It got a bit nervy through the middle there, but it's a very good win.

"It was not an easy wicket, they were probably 30 short of par, 150 would have been tough on that. But we bowled really well, fielded really well, we were brilliant in that first half.

"It was just about batting time and building some partnerships. Two good partnerships, 61 with James Fuller at the end, but before that 32 with Joe Weatherley, they were important. 

"It's a nice start, if we can get a win on Sunday, that will put us in a really strong position."

The win moves Hampshire up to third in the T20 Blast south group behind Surrey and Kent. They face Somerset on Sunday at the County Ground.