David Fulton fell just three runs short of a second double-century in successive matches as Kent secured maximum bonus points from a draw with Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.

Fulton's 197 in five hours featured a six – pulled effortlessly over square leg off Michael Strong – and 27 fours, and with Andrew Symonds helping himself to 131 against some disappointing home bowling Kent declared on 464-4.

Northants played out time to finish on 13-0, and now face a tough struggle to avoid relegation from Division One with only four games left – three of them away from home.

Steady drizzle delayed the start until 1.25pm and Kent, resuming on 202-1 with Fulton 116 not out, were prepared to settle for batting points on a typically flat Northampton pitch.

Fulton and Ed Smith (91) carried their second-wicket stand to 237 in 55 overs before Smith edged Paul Taylor behind, but there was to be no respite for Northants as Symonds powered his way to fifty from 60 balls and a century off 101.

Fulton made an unbeaten 208 in the previous fixture with Somerset and looked set to repeat the feat, only to be undone by the gentle medium-pace of Mike Hussey. It was another high-quality effort from the opener, who will hope for good news from the England selectors before the season is out.

Symonds' dismissal prompted Kent's declaration, and five overs later the teams were shaking hands at the end of a match that saw nearly half the playing time lost to the weather.

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