KENT'S grip on the championship game at sun-kissed Canterbury continued to slide as Worcestershire heaped on the agony.

Already 112 in arrears after first innings, Kent appeared powerless to stop the visitors, and Graeme Hick (77) in particular, from piling on the pressure.

With a clear intent to make Kent bat again later today, Worcestershire upped the tempo and their run rate to reach 167 for one after just 36 overs.

After losing Stephen Peters for 29, Worecstershire cracked on through Hick and Stephen Moore and an unbroken second wicket stand worth 115 so far.

Hick eased to a 44-ball 50 with eight fours and two sixes, while Moore took his time in reaching 55.

Kent added to their troubles when Ed Smith dropped Hick at deep mid-wicket when he was on 68.

At the start of the day Kent skipper David Fulton was out for an impressive 107 and Matt Walker added a fluent 70. But Michael Carberry and England keeper Geraint Jones both disappointed.