Frustration for Spitfires in home defeat

Sam Billings cut a frustrated figure as Kent slid to a fifth Natwest T20 Blast group stage defeat against Sussex. The England wicketkeeperbatsman was the foundation of the Spitfires innings, cracking a superb 74 from 40 balls as the hosts stuttered to a total of 163-9 at the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, on Friday. Darren Stevens (18) was the second-highest scorer. However, the visitors eased to victory with an over and five wickets in hand, thanks largely to opener Chris Nash for a measured 73 from 58 balls. Billings said: “It was an odd game. It was an absolutely belting pitch but T20 is a game of fine margins. “It was a couple of overs with the bat which cost us and a couple of overs here and there with the ball, which was a shame. “Credit to Chris Nash who played a top-class knock – that was the wicket we desperately needed throughout but we weren’t quite at it.” He added: “That’s the best pitch we’ve played on at Canterbury this year without a doubt. That was as good as you’ll see. “There was a little bit of extra bounce with the odd one but apart from that, you really got value for your shots.” Despite having lost half of their 10 games so far, Kent still have a chance of a topfour spot in the tight South Group with four games remaining. Biliings said: “As soon as we started getting back into the game we seemed to let the pressure off which you can’t afford to do in T20 because it’s hard to then claw it back. “You can’t afford to let the pressure off, especially in the South Group where there’s not a single weak team. Sussex were in the bottom two but are as good a bowling attack as you’ll face all year. “It’s frustrating. We’re still in it though if we can just piece it all together – we need a big effort.”

Pictures: Gary Browne Sam Billings is bowled for 74 and, left, celebrates reaching his half-century