Kent's LV= County Championship Division 2 campaign got off to a disappointing start as they suffered a 125-run defeat at Worcester on Wednesday.

Kent built a narrow first-innings lead on the back of half-centuries from Daniel Bell-Drummond and Ben Harmison after bowling the hosts out for 224, overseas star Doug Bollinger taking 2-38 and the returning Robbie Joseph 3-43.

However despite a fine 5-43 from Bollinger in the second innings, the Worcestershire tail took them from 188-8 to 270 after lunch on the third day, leaving Kent to chase 266 to win.

Sam Northeast departed without a run on the board and wickets tumbled thereafter on a deteriorating pitch which saw 12 of Kent's 20 wickets fall to LBW decisions.

Rob Key and Bell-Drummond followed Northeast back to the pavilion to leave the score on 27-3 and only Brendan Nash and Darren Stevens passed 20 as the visitors were bowled out for 140 on the final morning.

Kent claimed just four points at New Road while the hosts won 20.

Jimmy Adams' side begin their home campaign at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence with the start of a four-day game against Leicestershire on Sunday (11am).