Derbyshire dominated the first two sessions of the Specsavers County Championship match versus Kent at Canterbury, but a century by the hosts skipper, Sam Northeast, led their fightback towards the end of Day One.
Making his third first-class appearance, Will Davis claimed 3-81, whilst senior bowler Tony Palladino also took three wickets to return 3-69 for the day, as Derbyshire took advantage of the option to bowl first.
Kent would, however, finish the day strongly, with Northeast scoring a 159-ball century to take his side to 354-7 at the close of play.
After Kent had made a watchful start, Davis got a wicket in his first over as he had overseas batsman Tom Latham lbw for 14 before, three overs later, a quick pick up and throw at the stumps by Wayne Madsen accounted for Sean Dickson (15).
Joe Denly and Northeast ensured that Kent would reach lunch without further damage, but tight bowling ensured the hosts were just 68-2 at the first interval of the day.
Four balls after the break, Davis had his second as the experienced Denly edged the 20-year-old behind on 24, and then his replacement, Alex Blake (11), was out shortly afterwards courtesy of Palladino.
For the third time in the day, Davis got a wicket in the first over of a spell when he broke a 71-run stand between Darren Stevens and Northeast as the former was caught by Chesney Hughes for 30.
In the following over wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings was cleaned up by Palladino for just four as the visitors dominated large parts of the afternoon session to have their hosts 202-6 at tea.
Northeast, however, had remained largely untroubled and got to his 13th first-class ton from 159 balls, having battled hard for his team whilst others had fallen around him.
Along with Adam Ball, Northeast put on a record 7th wicket stand for Kent versus Derbyshire of 150, until Ball was adjudged lbw to Palladino for 66 – four runs short of a new first-class career-best score.
James Tredwell joined Northeast and the pair played out the remaining overs to take Kent to 354-7 at the close of the first day’s play, with the Kent skipper unbeaten on 173.
The Falcons are back in home NatWest T20 Blast action vs Northants Steelbacks at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield on Sunday 3 July. Supporters can save 20% by purchasing their NatWest T20 Blast matchday tickets in advance of the day of the game.
Northants Steelbacks – Sun 3 July – BUY
Yorkshire Vikings – Sun 10 July – BUY
Lancashire Lightning – Wed 13 July – BUY
Worcestershire Rapids – Fri 22 July – BUY
