James Tredwell paid tribute to Rob Key’s ‘magnificent’ innings which helped the Spitfires bounce back from disappointment in the previous two days to begin Tunbridge Wells Festival Week with a bang.

Monday’s eight-wicket cruise against the Netherlands in Yorkshire Bank 40 Group A was a tonic after a 20-run defeat at Sussex Sharks the previous evening and the frustration of a rain-affected draw in LV= County Championship Division 2 at Essex on Saturday.

Key’s imperious 144 not out steered Kent to victory over the continental visitors and skipper Tredwell admitted: “We came pretty close against Sussex but couldn’t get over the line. We put in a much better performance on Monday and got a deserved result.

“We weren’t clinical enough in the previous games, if we’re honest. We probably gave away too many runs at the back end of the innings at Sussex – as we did against the Netherlands too.

“We were a bit off the mark, but Keysey’s magnificent innings set us up nicely for a good run chase.”

He revealed: “The last year or so Sam Billings has taken the pressure off Bob, playing the aggressive role. We spoke before the game with Sam Northeast and Bob at the top and said someone would have to take on that role and he certainly did.”

In glorious sunshine the Netherlands won the toss and chose to bat, but Matt Coles gave the hosts the perfect start as he rearranged Michael Swart’s stumps in the second over.

However the Spitfires were made to toil after that with Wesley Barresi making an accomplished 69 before falling to Adam Riley, Tom Cooper added 54 and Dom Michael flashed a late 51 from 40 balls, including three sixes, to steer the Dutchmen to 249-5 from their 40 overs.

Any murmurings in the crowd about a possible upset were short-lived as Northeast and Key began the reply in breezy fashion, reaching 115 without loss before Northeast misread one from spinner Pieter Seelar and departed for 35.

Key however kept the scoreboard ticking over with 19 fours and a late six and though Brendan Nash (57 from 38 balls) looked set to join Key to get the Spitfires over the line it was Darren Stevens (11 not out) who finished in the support role as Key hammered Kent to victory with more than four overs to spare.