Geraint Jones passed 1,000 runs for the first time in his career as Kent moved a huge step towards promotion with a six wicket win over Surrey at Canterbury on Bank Holiday Monday.

The victory leaves them 28 points clear of nearest rivals Essex at the top of the LV County Championship Division 2 table with a game in hand but Surrey, handicapped by the absence of Mark Ramprakash who was unable to bat because of a broken finger, made them work hard for their seventh win of the season, which was completed shortly after 6pm.

Wicketkeeper Jones followed up his career-best 156 in the first innings, reaching the milestone on 21 in his second innings knock, as Kent chased 200 for victory.

Determined batting by Surrey’s middle and late order, led by young all-rounder Stuart Meaker (64 not out), had kept them in the field until mid-afternoon.

Surrey started the day on 148-5, a lead of only 54, but lost Chris Schofield (36) early on, but Jade Dernbach (16) and Tim Linley (36) provided solid support, before last man Pedro Collins fell for 12 as they were finally out for 293, 199 ahead.

Kent skipper Rob Key (50) and Sam Northeast (28) gave Kent a perfect start with an opening stand of 90 in 15 overs, until Meaker claimed both in the space of four balls.

Martin Van Jaarsveld hit 19 off 24 balls, falling bat-pad to Matt Spriegel and Jones made a run-a-ball 45, before being stumped by Jonathan Batty with 15 needed.

First innings centurion Darren Stevens (35 not out) and Justin Kemp knocked off the remainder as Kent claimed 22-points from the game and put them on course for an immediate return to the top flight.