An unbroken stand of 142 denied Kent the opportunity of forcing their first LV= County Championship Division 2 win of the season.

After losing the whole of Friday’s play due wet weather, James Tredwell’s side looked set for a possible triumph on the final day after Essex slumped to 24-5 at Chelmsford on Saturday.

The hosts were still 60 runs short of making Kent bat again at that stage. But Ben Foakes (86 not out) and James Foster (52 not out) dug in and Essex closed on 166-5 to salvage a draw.

Earlier, Kent all-rounder Darren Stevens scored his fourth century in his last five innings at Chelmsford, before falling to Ravi Bopara for 136 as the visitors were bowled out for 296.

It was the first time this season Kent had secured a first-innings lead, having dismissed Essex for 212.

Seamer Mark Davies (4-36) starred as the home side lost five wickets in 22 balls at the start of their second innings. He found the edge to remove Tom Westley for 17 and had Bopara caught by Sam Northeast at gully in the same over as the England batsman completed a pair.

Davies took two wickets in three balls in his next over with Mark Pettini and Ryan ten Doeschate caught in the slips.

Charlie Shreck took the fifth Essex wicket to fall when opener Jaik Mickleburgh was caught behind by Geraint Jones.

There were still a minimum of 61 overs to be bowled but the Kent attack were frustrated by Foakes and Foster.

Captains Tredwell and Foster shook hands on the draw with 13 overs left, Kent collecting eight points and Essex seven.