A MAIDEN first-team century by 23-year-old Alex Loudon was the undoubted highlight as Kent effectively drew their third and final pre-season friendly against Hampshire.

Excellent Easter weather coupled with short boundaries and a plum St Lawrence pitch ensured batsmen from both sides enjoyed the two-day clash.

Batting first, Kent amassed 393 for five declared based around Loudon's unbeaten ton.

The former England Under-19 skipper from Wye scored his runs off 95 balls and with 17 fours and two sixes.

Stylish left-hander Michael Carberry posted 98 with 17 fours, while skipper David Fulton chipped in with 68, Matthew Walker 34 and Niall O'Brien 41 as Kent batted throughout day one.

It was Hampshire's turn on Easter Monday, surpassing Kent's total by reaching 397 for the loss of seven wickets.

The visitors made the most of their trip by batting on for the remaining 50 minutes' play scoring 480 for eight come the close, as Shaun Udal raced to a 37-ball half-century.

Derek Kenway led their run chase with a magnificent 142 full of pulls and straight drives. He scored 112 of his runs in boundaries.

Will Kendall later chipped in with 74 as Hampshire made the most of conditions and against a Kent attack that lacked Martin Saggers and James Tredwell, on duty with the MCC.

In the second of Kent's pre-season matches England discard Ed Smith scored a stunning 80-ball century at St Lawrence, but a likely win over Surrey was thwarted by rain.

The former Cambridge Blue cracked 22 fours and a five, courtesy of overthrows, in his excellent, unbeaten 101 as Kent reached 144 for two when the rain arrived.

Surrey had posted a modest 50-over total of 237 for five, with a top score of 70 from Ali Brown.

Kent's winter recruit from Yorkshire, David Stiff, followed his two wickets against Northamptonshire with another impressive return of two for 51.