SIMON KATICH kept Hampshire on course to top the championship table - by scoring a masterful fifth first-class hundred for the county.

The left-hander followed the first innings lead of fellow Australian Shane Warne by stroking his way to an unbeaten 125 from 151 balls as Hampshire established a 214-run lead over Kent at Canterbury, with eight second-innings wickets remaining.

It keeps Hampshire on course to leapfrog current champions Warwickshire, who lost by an innings and 87 runs to 2003 champions Sussex yesterday, and Nottinghamshire, who aren't playing this week, at the top of division one.

Katich had looked good on the first day before he was run out for 56 by Sean Ervine.

Yesterday he made up for that disappointment by reaching three figures for Hampshire for the first time since his 122 at Derby in September 2003.

The 29-year-old's three-hour effort at Canterbury included fours and six sixes - five pulls and a beautifully timed clip off his legs over mid-wicket - as Hampshire finished the day on 191 for 2, having established a 23-run first innings lead by bowling Kent out for 305.

Martin Saggers, Matt Dennington and Amjad Khan were all hit for two sixes by Katich, who gave one chance.

Bizarrely, Khan's drop at third man led to the dismissal of John Crawley, who opened the batting in place of the injured Michael Brown.

Katich had reached his half-century from just 54 balls and was looking dangerous on 69 when Khan shelled the chance in the deep.

The Kent fast bowler was furious with himself and seemed to have gifted Hampshire an overthrow when he hurled the ball beyond the reach of Geraint Jones.

The ball reached Robert Key at mid-wicket as Crawley called for a third and a direct hit left him stranded.

It ended a 95-run stand for the second wicket, but Brown was fit to bat at number four after recovering from the blow to the head he received while fielding at short leg.

Earlier in the day, Darren Stevens had pulled a Warne delivery against Brown's tin-hat, leaving him with mild concussion.

But Brown (34 not out) recovered to add a further 94 runs in partnership with Katich before the close.

Earlier, Warne (3 for 50) and Richard Logan (3 for 59) had restricted Kent.

Opening batsman and Kent captain David Fulton, who was unbeaten on 64 overnight, was unable to resume at the start because of a stomach bug.

He watched from the balcony as Jones was caught at second slip by England teammate Kevin Pietersen for a scratchy 33-ball six.

Then, after Stevens departed for a fluent 68, Fulton returned - only to nick the last ball before lunch from Warne.

Hampshire were in the ascendancy.

Matthew Dennington made 50 from 76 balls before he scooped a catch to cover, but he was the only significant resistance from the lower order - although last man 11 Saggers lifted Warne for a six over long on.

Only the rain forecast for tomorrow looks capable of stopping Hampshire recording a third win in four championship games.