Shreck's five wickets put Kent on top

A five-wicket haul from Charlie Shreck and an unbeaten half century from Rob Key put Kent in a strong position in the County Championship Division Two promotion clash with Derbyshire at Derby.

Shreck took 5 for 41 as Derbyshire were skittled for 133 in reply to Kent's first innings 265 and then Key made 63 out of his side's 93 for 3 to build a lead of 226 at the end of the second day.

Kent added another 27 runs for their last two wickets with Matt Coles driving the second ball of the day from Wes Durston for six before sweeping the fourth into the hands of deep mid-wicket to give Derbyshire a third bowling point.

Kent's bowlers then took charge by blowing away Derbyshire's top order before lunch. Skipper Wayne Madsen went in the second over when he edged Shreck to second slip and the big fast bowler claimed the prize wicket of Australian Test batsman Usman Khawaja who drove at a wide ball and gave James Tredwell a second catch.

Shreck struck again in his next over when Matt Lineker edged to first slip and Coles then removed Dan Redfern who was caught low down at gully first ball.

A dreadful morning for Derbyshire ended with Durston trapped lbw to Davies as he played across the line to leave the home side in deep trouble on 51 for 5 at lunch.

They lost another wicket immediately after the interval. Richard Johnson was lbw to Darren Stevens with no addition to the total and, after play was held up by rain, Jon Clare top-edged a pull at Davies and was caught by Geraint Jones, running backwards.

Derbyshire were in danger of falling short of the follow on target of 116 when Tony Palladino was caught behind flashing at Stevens but David Wainwright and Tim Groenewald at least avoided that indignity before Shreck returned to wrap up the innings.

Kent took a lead of 133 into their second innings but they quickly lost Sam Northeast who was lbw to Palladino in the fifth over and Ban Harmison failed again when he was pinned in front by Palladino for five.

When Mark Turner beat Brendan Nash for pace, Kent were 43 for 3 but Key, who was getting well forward to counter any swing, reached fifty from 78 balls and looked in command at the close of an excellent day for his side.