Opening batsman David Fulton hit his fourth century of the summer to help Kent into a dominant position at 320 for three on day one of the Tunbridge Wells Festival week game with Essex at the Nevill.

Bright sunshine and a flat pitch made conditions ideal for batting and Kent skipper Matthew Fleming, who won his fifth consecutive Championship toss, had no hesitation in backing his in-form top-order by batting first against the side two places above them in the CricInfo Championship Division One table.

His decision was fully vindicated, not only by Fulton's six-and-a-half hour stay of 117, but by a first-wicket stand of 93 with Rob Key, who hit 48 from 79 balls before miscuing a pull to mid-on.

Ed Smith went just after lunch, to bring together Fulton and South African Daryll Cullinan for a powerful third-wicket stand worth 110 in 34 overs.

Cullinan contributed 63 in two hours, adding a swept six off former England off-spinner Peter Such to his six boundaries, before padding up to go leg before in Paul Grayson's penultimate over before tea.

Fulton continued unabashed by Cullinan's departure. He reached the 11th century of his career in 338 minutes with the ninth four of his stay, a crisply executed off-drive against Andrew McGarry.

With Matthew Walker (37 not out) in tow he put on a further 87, unbroken for the fourth wicket before stumps, leaving Kent in good shape with three batting bonus points and power to add on day two.

The country's leading wicket-taker Ricky Anderson was the pick of the Essex attack in taking his season's tally to 28 with two for 49, but Such proved expensive by conceding 93 on a pitch that offered slow turn and only from the bowlers' foot marks.

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