Brendan Nash continued his fine early-season form with an unbeaten century as Kent recorded a creditable draw against Lancashire at Old Trafford.

After passing 50 in each of his first three innings of the season, Nash (pictured) reached three figures for the first time this season and the two sides shook hands on a draw as soon as Nash reached 100 not out on the final day of the rain-affected LV= Championship Division 2 clash.

The former West Indies batsman and Mike Powell (39 not out) shared an unbroken 142-run partnership for the third wicket after Kent were teetering at 36-2 in their second innings with 62 overs remaining, with the hosts leading by 151 after their first innings.

The final day began with Lancashire’s Steven Croft passing 50 on his way to 64 but Simon Katich departed without adding to his overnight 93, top-edging a Matt Coles delivery to Geraint Jones, with Gareth Cross following him back to the pavilion after he was trapped leg before by Coles for a duck next ball.

Home skipper Glen Chapple fended off Coles’ hat-trick delivery and steered his side to 395-7 declared, leaving 79 overs for the hosts to try and dismiss Kent in their quest for a first win of the season.

James Anderson and Kyle Hogg caused Kent openers Rob Key and Sam Northeast problems with the new ball – Anderson conceding just a single run from his first six overs – but spinner Simon Kerrigan bowled Northeast for 11 in the 17th over and Key edged a Chapple delivery to Cross for 19 soon after,

However, Nash and Powell were in good form and helped Kent claim five league points.

The duo were also the side’s top-scorers on the opening day as Kent struggled to 244 all-out, having won the toss and chosen to bat.

Nash made 50 and Powell 57, with James Tredwell adding a late 40 as Kent reached 130-2 before losing five wickets for just 55 runs.

Anderson finished with 4-57 and Hogg 3-32 from 20 overs while Karl Brown made 87, Ashwell Prince 58, Katich 93 and Croft 64 not out as Lancashire took a first-innings advantage, with Coles finishing with 3-84 and two wickets each for Charlie Shreck and Darren Stevens.

After two away draws, Kent play their first home game of the campaign when Northamptonshire visit the St Lawrence Ground on Wednesday.

They begin CB40 action next Monday with a trip to Warwickshire.