Kent completed a NatWest T20 Blast double over Sussex to replace the Sharks at the top of the south group.

James Tredwell and Darren Stevens bowled superbly to restrict Sussex to 136-8 despite a career best unbeaten 35 from Harry Finch and 39 by Matt Machan.

A close contest looked on the cards when the Spitfires slipped to 46-3 but an unbroken stand of 91 between Alex Blake and Sam Billings saw them romp home with 34 balls to spare.

Blake led the way with an unbeaten 52 from 32 balls while Billings was 39 not out from 24.

Sussex’s hopes of a fifth consecutive win suffered an early blow when Luke Wright was dismissed for 12 in only the third over.

The Sharks skipper smashed Mitch Claydon for a massive six down the ground but was caught attempting to repeat the feat from the next ball.

That was a huge blow for Sussex and they continued to lose wickets at regular intervals against some tight Kent bowling.

Chris Nash flicked Ian Thomas off his pads straight to the fielder at short fine leg to go for ten before Darren Stevens and James Tredwell really put the squeeze on.

The pair went for just 40 from their eight overs between them and picked up three wickets in the process.

Former Sussex loanee Tredwell removed the dangerous Craig Cachopa for 11 and then had George Bailey stumped for just two on his home debut.

Matt Machan struck some lusty blows to keep the scoreboard ticking over but holed out off Stevens having made 39 from 32 balls.

Only a late cameo from Harry Finch – who hit an unbeaten 35 from 28 balls including a six off Matt Coles – saw Sussex boost their total to 136-8.

Sussex needed early wickets and Ollie Robinson delivered in the first over when Daniel Bell-Drummond top edged to Machan at mid-wicket.

Robinson also dismissed in-form Sam Northeast in the fifth over and when Fabien Cowdrey hit Mike Yardy straight to mid-on Kent were wobbling slightly on 46-3.

But England international Billings and Blake took the game by the scruff of the neck from then on to ease the visitors to an emphatic win.