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Opener Ricardo Vasconcelos scored 154 as Northamptonshire fought back with the bat on day three against Kent.

After resuming on 91-1, veteran Kent all-rounder Darren Stevens (2-59) removed Emilio Gay and Alex Wakely in the first six overs of the morning.

Northants were 135-4 when Charlie Thurston was bowled by Harry Podmore, but Vasconcelos and Rob Keogh then put on a fifth-wicket partnership of 142.

Keogh was 66 not out as the hosts closed on 301-5, still 154 runs behind.

Left-hander Vasconcelos was unbeaten on 54 overnight, and reached his sixth first-class century after lunch as he and Keogh batted through a rain-affected afternoon session to reach 245-4 at tea.

Vasconcelos saw his 209-ball innings, which included 20 fours, ended when he fell to a catch off Jack Leaning.

Bad light and sleet curtailed the day's play and, with victory looking unlikely for either side, bonus points remain available on the final day.