COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Tunbridge Wells:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY THREE: Essex 280 & 320-6 dec, Kent 123 & 107-1 (Essex 5pts, Kent 3pts)
16 - 19 June 2009 (Play begins 1100 BST)

Pettini's last ton was against Leicestershire in 2006

Essex captain Mark Pettini's first century in nearly three years left his side in a commanding position at the end of day three against Kent.

After declining to enforce the follow-on, he pressed home Essex's advantage on a dull pitch and against a Kent attack lacking seamer Robbie Joseph.

Essex declared mid-afternoon on 320-6 to set the home side 478 to win.

Rob Key and Joe Denly added 84 for the first wicket before Key fell to David Masters, with Kent closing on 107-1.

Essex captain Mark Pettini told BBC Essex:

"We've had three very good days and we're in a good position to win the game on the final day.

"The wicket has flattened out a little bit, but there's a lot of runs on the board for them to chase and we've got all day to bowl them out.

"On a personal level, I've been waiting to get some Championship runs for a while.

"It's been too long since I've had a century, so it's great to get that off my back."

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