Rob Key hits out on his way to 28 but Spitfires' 203-3 was not enough to reach t20 finals day. Picture: Ady Kerry

By Andrew Gidley

Rob Key admitted Kent Spitfires’ three-wicket Friends Life t20 quarter-final last over defeat against Leicestershire Foxes was hard to take but confessed they didn’t bowl well enough on the day.

Both sides struggled but it was Kent’s experienced four-man international attack who were found wanting the most as they conceded 168 runs in 14.2 overs between them.

The Foxes successfully chased down a target of 204 to spark wild celebrations among the home fans.

"It was disappointing," said Key. "When you a lose a big game you want to walk off knowing you couldn’t have done any better, but when you are left knowing you could have done quite a lot better, it hits you harder.

"It’s in big pressure games like this when you either stand up or struggle. When we got under the pump, we didn’t have an answer and that was the bottom line.

"Everyone was trying as hard as they could, but these games aren’t about form, it’s all about who performs on the day, and who can deal with it, and we didn’t do it well enough.

"The ball was wet and hard to reverse swing which we have used quite well, but it didn’t happen. We didn’t hit our yorkers, our slower balls got smashed out of the park.

"We conceded far too many in the first six overs, but when you know you have got the best death bowlers up your sleeve we have, it’s not a worry. But we didn’t bowl very well."