KENT’S second wicket partners Ed Smith and Rob Key took their stand to 255 in 49 overs as the hosts extended their first innings lead over Middlesex.

Kent moved 6-2 ahead on the bonus points and ever nearer securing second spot in the division by reaching 309 for three by lunch.

Key was first to reach three figures, spanking 11 fours and three sixes in his 126-ball hundred, the ninth he has scored this summer.

Smith joined him on the landmark soon afterwards with a steered four to third man off Melvyn Betts.

It was Smith’s fourth ton of the season and came from 128 balls and with 15 fours.

The stand finally came to an end when Key, on 131, top-edged a sweep off Paul Weekes into the hands of Melvyn Betts at deep mid-wicket to make it 273 for two.

Key was replaced by Alex Loudon who, after scoring eight, edged an attempted drive against off-spinner Jamie Dalrymple onto his own leg stump.

By the interval Smith had reached 132 not from 175 balls in what may yet prove one of his last innings in Kent colours.