Kent v Essex: Bowling trio give Essex edge

David Masters, Maurice Chambers and Graham Napier claimed three wickets apiece as Essex took control on day one at Canterbury.

Mike Powell hit a half-century and Azhar Mahmood made 49 before the hosts were dismissed for 226.

Kent opener Sam Northeast was the only other batsman in the hosts' line-up to score more than 20 runs before being dismissed for 32.

With nine overs available before close, the visitors ended on 14-0 in reply.