TOM Alsop provided a timely reminder of his talents with a match-winning century as Hampshire continued their impressive start to this season’s Second Eleven Championship (SEC).

Set 248 to win on the final afternoon of their latest match against Gloucestershire at Bristol University’s ground, Hampshire reached their target in the 53rd over, with opener Alsop still there on 106.

The 21 year-old left-hander has been surplus to requirements, following the signing of Rilee Rossouw and the return to full health of Michael Carberry.

A match-winning centurion against Kent in the One-day Cup back in April, he continues to respond in the best possible way.

Alsop faced 166 balls and hit seven fours to clinch a five-wicket win against Gloucestershire that extends Hampshire’s lead at the top of the SEC’s south division.

Captain Will Smith (12) was bowled in the 13th over of Hampshire’s chase but Ian Holland’s run-a-ball 43, including two sixes, helped Alsop add 73 from 93 balls for the second wicket.

Felix Organ added 76 from 82 balls with Alsop before edging behind against Craig Miles (10-2-46-1) for a 39-ball 36 (five fours).

Wicketkeeper Calvin Dickinson, who top scored with 43 as Hampshire made 287 in their first innings, blasted an 11-ball 17.

And after Tom Scriven (7) departed Fraser Hay (9no) helped Alsop edge Hampshire home.

Alsop was lbw to Miles (22-5-56-4) for 38 as Hampshire replied to Gloucestershire’s 289 in their first innings.

Holland (17.5-3-58-4) was the pick of the Hampshire bowlers on day one, when Matt Salisbury (18-3-51-2), Havant seamer Richard Jerry (9-0-27-2) and Brad Taylor (20-3-58-1) were also among the wickets.

The Aussie followed that with ten wicketless overs for a miserly 13 before Gloucestershire declared their second innings on 245-7 yesterday after noon (Chris Sole 14-2-58-3, Taylor 7-1-42-2, Will Smith (7-0-43-2). Hampshire are unbeaten in seven SEC matches this season, four of which they have won.