Joe Denly ton as Kent rally at Derbyshire

Derbyshire's Ross Whiteley and Kent opener Joe Denly scored centuries on the second day of the County Championship Division Two match.

After Wes Durston's ton on day one, Whiteley made a career-best 130 not out as Derbyshire were dismissed for 535, David Balcombe taking 6-128.

But Denly (142no) ended the day seven runs shy of equalling his career best, as Kent closed 256 behind on 279-4.

Derbyshire paceman Jonathan Clare, who earlier made a rapid 77, took 2-47.

CLOSE OF PLAY SUMMARY

BBC Radio Kent's Matt Cole:

"Derbyshire showed real composure to top 500 after losing two early wickets to the tireless David Balcombe. Ross Whiteley's career-high was well deserved, he hits the ball cleanly, his straight drive is a thing of beauty.

"Kent survived some early wobbles too, and it's to Joe Denly's huge credit that he shrugged off giving two golden chances off consecutive balls when he was in his 30s, to be on the brink of his own career best.

"Derbyshire never faltered in the field and were as sharp when the boundaries flowed as they were when the first wickets tumbled. They may yet get their reward if Kent let their concentration levels drop on day three.

"You have to credit the groundstaff here at the County Ground too, preparing a wicket which has never looked placid despite yielding 800 runs in two days."