Matt Walker was thrilled for Adam Riley to take seven wickets in Kent’s win over Derbyshire in the Specsavers County Championship Division 2.

Riley produced his best bowling figures since the 2015 season in the six wicket victory at The 3aaa County Ground.

The spinner took 3-78 in the first innings and then 4-68 in the second.

Head coach Walker said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled for anybody really. I’ve known him a long time and he’s such a wonderful bloke.

“He’s been through a horrible time over the last two or three years trying to get his action back to where it was.

“I think everyone has felt for him and he’s had to grit his teeth and go through some dark times.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to see him in a Kent shirt in first-class cricket and helping us win the game.

“It was nice to see spinners play a part and for Adam to have something to work with. It is lovely to see and seven wickets will give him great confidence.

“He’s deserved these four days and all the lads are chuffed to bits for him.”

A century for Joe Denly and half centuries from Zak Crawley, Heino Kuhn, Grant Stewart and Matt Henry saw Kent score 561 batting first.

Walker said: “It was nice to turn up at an away game and actually wanting to bat first. It was a good toss to win.

“It shows what our batters can do on a wicket that is a bit more batter friendly. It is great to see the guys put 550 on the board.

“We have been light on batting points this year and that has been questioned. Sides we’ve played against haven’t scored batting points against us and that’s how it has fallen for us.

“We got big first innings runs that set us up. It puts you in control and you are very rarely going to lose a game when you put 500 plus on the board.”

Riley and Ivan Thomas took three wickets each as Derbyshire were all out for 400 with Kent then enforcing the follow-on.

Spin played a big part in the second innings with Kent’s two spinners, Riley and Denly, taking four wickets each to leave Kent needing 110 runs to win.

Walker said: “It was probably one of the most pleasing wins. We’ve played a lot of quick cricket this year on pitches in the early season that were bowler friendly.

“To play a proper four day game on a proper four day pitch and win was very pleasing. You have to work very very hard to get your rewards.

“You have to play as a team and everyone has to play their part.

“That was as good a Kent performance I’ve seen for a very long time in terms of attitude, commitment and desire.”

That win puts Kent up to second in Division 2 with four matches left to play. Next up is Northants at The Spitfire Ground, which starts on Tuesday.