Jones was one of three centurions for Kent in Croydon

Geraint Jones scored his first century of the season to steer Kent to almost certain victory against Surrey in their clash at Whitgift School in Croydon.

The former England wicket-keeper finished unbeaten on 106 from 100 balls in a total of 564-5 declared, giving Kent a first-innings lead of 398.

He was well supported by team-mate Darren Stevens who scored a fine 174.

And Yasir Arafat then took two wickets before the end of play as Surrey ended the day three down 147-3, 251 behind.

Surrey's second innings got off to a steady start with Scott Newman and Jonathan Batty sharing a stand of 48, but Newman was brilliantly run out by Afaraf after attempting a disastrous second run.

Batty then edged to second slip when on 25 before Mark Butcher (4) did the same to leave Surrey staring down the barrell.

The only good note for Surrey was that Mark Ramprakash remained at the close, unbeaten on 54.

But Kent remain huge favourites, thanks to the platform built by Jones and Robinson, who smashed 153 runs in just 23.2 overs after lunch.

Stevens had a reprieve on 89 when Ali Brown dropped a difficult chance at second slip off Mohammad Akram and responded by upping the pace, reaching his his century with successive boundaries off Neil Saker.