JOE Denly's second century in three games held the Kent second innings together as they attempted to set Worcestershire a challenging target on day three of the Specsavers County Championship clash at New Road.

The 31-year-old went to three figures in the grand manner with a six off Moeen Ali over long on.

Denly's century came off 145 balls and contained two sixes and 13 fours and followed on from his hundred versus Sussex at Tunbridge Wells.

But Worcestershire kept chipping away at the other end and picked up three more wickets during the morning session.

Skipper Joe Leach bowled a probing opening spell of 7-2-21-2 in which he had Joe Weatherley (24) caught at second slip and Darren Stevens (19) lbw after he offered no shot.

John Hastings replaced him at the Diglis End and also settled into a good line and length and he was rewarded when Will Gidman (19) nicked through to Ross Whiteley at first slip.

By lunch Denly had moved onto 109 out of 221-6 with Kent leading by 145.