A FOURTH wicket century stand between Russell Warren and Tony Penberthy helped Northamptonshire extend their first innings lead over Kent to 137 on day two of their CricInfo Championship match with Kent in Canterbury.

After a rain-delayed start at 11.10am with the loss of 10 overs, Northamptonshire extended their overnight score of 173 for three to reach 245 without further loss by the lunch interval.

Kent's only chance of the session came to the fifth ball of the morning when Ben Trott found the edge of Warren's bat, only to see Min Patel down a shoulder-high chance at gully with Warren's total on 31.

After that the Northamptonshire pair batted faultlessly in posting their three-figure partnership in the over before lunch with an all-run four to third man.

Penberthy brought up his 50 two deliveries later from 99-balls and with eight fours, while Warren passed the milestone from 92 balls and with 10 boundaries.

Kent captain Matthew Fleming permed six bowlers in the session, but on a now easy-paced pitch and with a wet and soft ball, the home attack lacked bite and penetration.