Kent Spitfires scored an impressive 217 as they beat Gloucestershire Gladiators by 36 runs in the Friends Provident t20 on Sunday.

Spitfires were indebted to an opening stand of 87 between Rob Key and Joe Denly.

One innings apart, both players have struggled for runs this summer but Key hit 44 off 25 balls and Denly (pictured) made 48 from 31 balls as Kent posted 87 for the first wicket in 8.2 overs.

Martin van Jaarsveld hit two sixes in a 12-ball 26 but he was outshone by youngster Alex Blake who scored 33 from 17 balls, including four sixes.

Azhar Mahmood hit two sixes in a 11-ball 23 after the in-form Darren Steven made just two. Kent suffered thre runs outs at the death but made 217 from 19.5 overs.

After Mahmood accounted for opener James Franklin, Simon Cook took 3-22 in four overs as the Gladiators slipped from 62-1 to 94-7.

Chris Taylor's 67 from 36 balls gave them hope, along with 28 by Ian Butler, but Matt Coles, having taken some stick in his opening spell, returned to collect three late wickets (3-48) and complete an excellent win for the Spitfires.