Kent’s Friends Provident Trophy campaign came to a frustrating end on Wednesday, with their final Group B game against Warwickshire at Edgbaston ending as a tie.

Following Monday’s costly defeat against Scotland, the Spitfires went into the match knowing that only a big victory would enable them to pip Middlesex for the second qualifying spot on a superior run rate.

But, after a match that veered from one side to the other, rain forced an early finish with Warwickshire just one run short of victory under the Duckworth/Lewis method.

Yet the situation had looked promising for Kent earlier in the day thanks to a glorious innings of 115 from opener Joe Denly (pictured). The England hopeful hit his third century in one-day cricket off 115 balls, with nine fours and two sixes.

He added 49 for the first wicket with captain Rob Key, who broke his bat in dramatic fashion during his 20 from 21 balls, and later was well supported by James Hockley’s unbeaten 50 in a sixth-wicket stand of 116 in 23 overs as Kent made 265 all out in 49.2 overs.

In reply, Neil Carter gave Warwickshire a flying start with a forceful 37 from 33 balls and then Jim Troughton kept the Bears on course with his fourth half-century in six innings in this season’s competition.

With 82 needed from the last 11 overs and seven wickets still standing, Warwickshire looked marginal favourites but then Simon Cook threatened to turn the match Kent’s way again with a burst of three wickets in six balls.

Troughton shovelled a catch to short fine leg, skipper Ian Westwood was superbly caught first ball by Justin Kemp, and then Geraint Jones stumped Ant Botha.

However, the limping Tim Ambrose, who made an unbeaten 36 despite a leg injury, and Keith Barker (23 not out) then came together and looked set to carry the Bears to victory until the rain arrived and left Warwickshire stuck on 241-6 - and the match tied.