Century-maker Richard Montgomerie today predicted Sussex would bounce back strongly after suffering their first defeat of the season.

Montgomerie made 127 but the county lost by six wickets to Kent in the C&G Trophy at Tunbridge Wells after a spectacular innings from Justin Kemp, who hit seven sixes in a match-winning 54 not out.

Sussex remain on top of the south conference and need two wins from their remaining three games to reach the final at Lord's on August 26.

Montgomerie said: "It was tremendous hitting from Kemp but until then I thought we had played pretty well.

"We would have settled for 284-8 and we had them under a bit of pressure until he came in. When a batsman is striking the ball as cleanly as that on a small ground there isn't a lot that you can do.

"From a personal point of view I've been feeling good all year and it's nice to score a few runs. Obviously it's disappointing that we didn't win the game but it has been a good week for me after getting 98 in the Championship on Friday.

"As a side we're still playing very good cricket and the important thing now is for us to bounce back which I think we will do."

Robin Martin-Jenkins (back spasms) is the latest addition to a lengthening injury list ahead of tomorrow's Championship game against Lancashire at Liverpool. Rana Naved (groin) is doubtful although he was travelling today and Mike Yardy is definitely out because of a dislocated finger.

Chris Nash and Tim Linley have been added to the squad which won a fifth successive Championship game against Middlesex on Saturday to open up a 23 point lead at the top.