Kent’s star overseas player Matt Henry said their win over Sussex in the Specsavers County Championship was one to savour.

The New Zealand fast bowler took 10-122 in the match and scored a second innings half-century to fire Kent to victory.

The 26-year-old is the leading wicket-taker in the country with 37 victims in the opening four matches.

Henry said: “It’s always nice to contribute but most of all it’s nice to win games of cricket. That is why we play the game.

“It was a special win. We had to fight hard as Sussex did well and at one stage the match was in the balance and they looked like they were cruising it.

“We stuck at it and that’s the best feeling, winning a game of four-day cricket like that.

“I’m not one to get fired up but we knew it was an important part of the game. They were batting well and ticking over nicely and we knew we had to break that partnership.

“Once we did, we knew we had to bring energy and make sure it was uncomfortable for their lower order to come in. As a bowling unit, we managed to do that.

“It was great to get the result. I’ve been feeling good for a while now and it’s great to get some cricket out here.”

Henry also passed 200 first-class wickets during the match and hit his fourth first-class half-century.

His 53-ball 55 – which included three sixes – in the second innings helped give Kent a 269-run lead.

Henry said: “The message was stick to the game plan. I just wanted to play my natural game.

“Strong in defence but when it was in the zone, be nice and positive. It was great to contribute and get some runs.”

Kent have now won three of their four matches in the County Championship and have recovered well after defeat in their first game at home to Gloucestershire.

Henry added: “We weren’t too disappointed with the Gloucester game. We had a lot of rain and it probably came down to 40 or 50 runs.

“They played well and beat us but it wasn’t a train smash. We knew we had to work a little bit harder and improve little margins.”