HALF-CENTURIES by Matthew Walker and Rob Key coupled with attractive cameos from Niall O'Brien and Alex Loudon put Kent among the batting bonus points on a tricky Old Trafford pitch.

After 59 overs of a protracted and rain-ruined first innings, Kent reached 213 for six on day three of this four-day clash with Lancashire.

Matthew Walker led the way with 61, as he and Loudon (45) added 70 in 21 overs for the fourth wicket.

Loudon miscued an off drive to Danish Mongia running round to straight long-off then, after an impish 19 and a six off Glen Chapple, O’Brien went leg before to make it 195 for five.

Matt Dennington then teamed up with Walker to take Kent past 200 for their first batting bonus point but Walker, in Carl Hooper’s first over of the game, then edged one to the keeper when trying to cut.