DARREN STEVENS hit his second century of Kent's pre-season friendly campaign only to finish on the losing side as Northamptonshire cantered home to a six-wicket win in their 50-over warm-up clash at Wantage Road on Thursday.

Batting first, Spitfires made a disastrous start in losing Rob Key (1) and Geraint Jones (0) in the first over of the day.

But Stevens anchored the innings thereafter with a superb 145, while Joe Denly chipped in with 34 and Matt Walker, playing his first game after a foot injury, contributed 52 to a total of 287 for seven.

In reply, Northamptonshire sealed victory with 31 balls and four wickets to spare courtesy of an unbeaten 131 from Robert White and 57 from 41 balls from one-time Kent target, Johannes Van Der Wath.

Simon Cook claimed two for 38 and Martin Saggers finished with two for 33 for Kent's under-strength bowling attack.

The Kent squad will enjoy the weekend off, before their final net preparations next week ahead of Wednesday's LV Championship opener against Sussex in Hove.