HALF-CENTURIES by Matthew Walker and Rob Key coupled with attractive cameos from Niall O'Brien put Kent among the batting bonus points on a tricky Old Trafford pitch.

After 75 overs of a protracted and rain-ruined first innings Kent reached 266 all out on day three of this four-day clash with Lancashire.

Matthew Walker led the way with 61, as he and Loudon (45) added 70 in 21 overs for the fourth wicket.

Loudon miscued an off drive to Danish Mongia running round to straight long-off then, after an impish 19 and a six off Glen Chapple, O’Brien went leg before to make it 195 for five.

Matt Dennington then teamed up with Walker to take Kent past 200 for their first batting bonus point but Walker, in Carl Hooper’s first over of the game, then edged one to the keeper when trying to cut.

The introduction of spin at both ends quickened Kent’s demise as left-armer Keedy made the most of prodigious turn to finish with four for 62.

Dennington edged to the keeper, Amjad Khan (0) and O’Brien (19) went leg before then Dominic Cork had Min Patel (17) snaffled at slip by Hooper and pegged back Ian Butler’s off stump top send the Kiwi packing for 19.

Rob Joseph was left unbeaten with seven, as Kent posted two batting bonus points.