KENT V NOTTINGHAMSHIRE AT THE MOTE (Ist DAY)

ED SMITH struck a fine century for Kent on the first day of their crucial Championship match against Nottinghamshire at The Mote.

Smith shared in a superb partnership with Geraint Jones who also looked to be heading for a ton before he was out for 82. Smith was finally dismissed one short of his 150.

Kent won the toss but skipper David Fulton was dismissed for only six. Smith and Robert Key pushed the score along to put Kent into a good position before Key was run out for 31.

There was soon more bad news for Kent when Andrew Symonds went for eight and Matthew Walker was out for a duck.

Soon afterwards left-arm spinner Verrori, who had already taken the wickets of Symonds and Walker, struck for a third time to dismiss Ealham for five.

When Smith was finally out for 149 his innings, along with that of Jones, had put Kent in a very sound position.

The final all-out score of 362 will convince Kent they may well be on their way to securing their first Championship victory of the season.

Bonus points: Kent 4 Notts 3

Scoreboard

KENT IST INNINGS

Fulton c Warren b Harris 6

Key run out 31

E Smith c Piet'sen b Franks 149

Symonds c Warren by Vettori 8

Walker c Welton b Vettori 0

Ealham c Gallian b Vettori 5

Jones c Gallian b Franks 82

Tredwell b G Smith 16

Ferley not out 14

Mo'Mad S c Franks b G Smith 16

Sheriyar c Franks b Vettori 0

Extras 35

Total (all out 61.3 overs)362

NOTTS IST INNINGS

Notts Ist innings

Gallian not out 31

Welton caught Symonds b Ferley 17

Bicknell not out 8

Extras 16

Total (for 1 wicket)72