Harmison ton can not rescue Kent

Gloucestershire registered what was a comprehensive first win of the season as they wrapped up a 290-run triumph over Kent on the final day of their LV= County Championship Division Two clash at Bristol.

The visitors began the day on 165 for five and needing an unlikely-looking 417 more runs for victory, and although they put up resistance – led by Ben Harmison, who fashioned a career-best 125 – for a while, their defeat was soon sealed.

Matt Taylor took three wickets as Gloucestershire dismissed their opponents for 291, completing the task during an extra half-hour added to the morning session.

As play got under way, Kent had two men already with half-centuries to their names at the crease, Harmison and Sam Billings having restored some batting pride after the team had slumped earlier in the innings to 69 for five, and been bowled out for a lowly 114 first time around.

The sixth-wicket partnership grew from 96 to 139 before Billings (67) saw his stump sent cartwheeling by Taylor.

Taylor then claimed another wicket with the next ball as Adam Ball was caught behind by Cameron Herring for a duck, leaving Kent on 208 for seven.

Harmison brought up his century, moving to 103 with a four to put his side on 232.

But it was not long before a further Kent wicket had gone, Mitchell Claydon (15) being caught at mid-on by Gloucestershire skipper Michael Klinger off the bowling of Tom Smith.

That was 243 for eight, and with his side having added 28 runs, Harmison then departed to a Klinger catch off James Fuller.

Gloucestershire finished off the job during the additional period as Doug Bollinger (14) was caught by Benny Howell off Taylor.