Two wickets in four balls gave Sussex a lift as they chased their first Championship win of the season at Hove today.

Jason Lewry made the breakthrough when he bowled Robert Key and in the next over James Kirtley had Michael Carberry caught behind as Kent were reduced to 35-2 as they chased a victory target of 293.

The pitch was still giving plenty of assistance to the bowlers, but Key had looked in good form, making 28 out of a first wicket stand of 31.

The cut shot was particularly profitable for the England man but it also proved his downfall when he played on in the ninth over.

Sussex were celebrating again in the next over when Kirtley got one to nip away off the seam and gave Matt Prior a regulation catch behind the stumps.

Earlier, Lewry and Kirtley had done their bit with the bat, adding 24 important runs for the last wicket when Sussex resumed on 174-9.

Kirtley took eight off one over from James Tredwell and in the next Lewry hooked Martin Saggers for six into the pavilion. Lewry was caught behind to give Tredwell his fourth success of the innings.

Lunch: Kent 64 for 2 (Ist Innings 185), Sussex 279 and 198