A DRAMATIC burst of three for four in only 10 balls by rookie off-spinner Alex Loudon helped Kent wrap up a 236-run win over Sussex.

The Canterbury Cricket Week triumph ended a run of seven successive defeats in all forms of cricket and, with a maximum 22-point haul, lifts Kent a remarkable three places up the Frizzell Division one table.

Sussex were always unlikely to threaten the safety-first target of 515 set by skipper David Fulton, but the speed with which the visitors succumbed after tea even surprised the staunchest of Sussex followers.

Patel ended the resistance of Robin Martin-Jenkins for 23 when Fulton claimed a bat-pad catch at square leg to give Kent’s left-armer figures of four for 75.

Loudon, who just before tea sent Matt Prior packing with a stunning slip catch, then re-claimed centre stage by claiming the last three wickets and seal Kent’s fifth win of a faltering campaign.

Wright played inside the line to lose his off stump, Kirtley pushed a bat-pad catch to silly mid-off then last man Akram slogged and missed to send Kent into celebration as they move up to third.