A SECOND half-century in the match for Alex Loudon helped Kent into a strong position over Canterbury Week rivals Sussex.

After 28 overs of their second innings, the hosts reached 110 for one having lost Loudon for 50.

The tall right-hander added 99 in tandem with Ed Smith (40) before going just two balls after reaching his 50.

Attempting to run down the wicket to wrist-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, he failed to get to the pitch and clipped back an overhead return catch to the bowler.

After a first innings golden duck, Michael Bevan marched in to survive a king pair and get off the mark with four against Mushtaq.

Earlier, Kent skipper David Fulton opted against enforcing the follow-on, but was soon nursing a painful blow for his troubles.

Batting again with a first innings lead of 195, Fulton opened the innings but lasted only four balls before retiring hurt on two.

The right-hander ducked into a bouncer from Mohammad Akram and the force of the blow left him nursing a cut head just above his forehead.

With blood dripping from the wound and down over his whites, Fulton received treatment on the field from Kent physiotherapist Martyn Sigley but then walked from the field for ice treatment.