DURHAM claimed maximum bowling points today as they made a dream start to their final County Championship game against Kent.

The North-Easterners currently trail league leaders Lancashire by eight-and-a-half points as they attempt to complete a memorable trophy treble.

But that deficit has reduced after Durham claimed three bowling points for bowling Kent out for 212 in just 50.5 overs.

Ottis Gibson, Graham Onions and Mark Davies claimed three wickets apiece as Dale Benkenstein's side skittled the hosts at Canterbury.

Durham's reply did not start so well, however, as opener Mark Stoneman was trapped leg before by Martin Saggers for a duck. The visitors are currently 16-1.

Durham's title rivals have suffered mixed fortunes on the opening day of the final round of fixtures.

Leaders Lancashire have toiled in the field at The Oval, with former England batsman Mark Ramprakash currently unbeaten on 142 in Surrey's innings of 292-4.

But second-placed Sussex have been going well against Worcesterhire, with Chris Nash (89) and Richard Montgomerie (82) helping the reigning champions reach 259-3.

** READ A FULL REPORT OF DURHAM'S OPENING-DAY EFFORTS IN TOMORROW'S NORTHERN ECHO **