Somerset's James Hildreth hits out on his way to 67 against Kent Spitfires

Kent suffered a heavy defeat in their opening Friends Provident Trophy clash of the season.

Having again asked the opposition to bat first, Rob Key saw his side put to the sword as Marcus Trescothick led Somerset to a daunting 291-3 from 38 overs in a rain-affected clash.

In reply, Spitfires could only muster 181 despite a bright start that saw them reach 95-2 early in their reply.

Rookie Kent paceman Warren Lee was handed his debut ahead of overseas signing Wayne Parnell and he struck in his first over to remove Craig Kieswetter for a golden duck.

But that was as good as it got for Kent in the field as former England opener Trescothick cracked 11 boundaries in his 41-ball 70 before falling to Rob Ferley.

James Hildreth made 67 before falling to Ferley but that only allowed former Kent all-rounder Peter Trego to the wicket and he smashed an unbeaten 73 from 36 balls, including five sixes, to help the home side reach an imposing total.

Needing to score at more than seven and a half runs per over, Kent lost skipper Key early on before Martin van Jaarsveld was bowled by Trego.

Joe Denly and James Hockley gave the Spitfires some hope but once Hockley went (26) and Denly (43) followed soon after the writing was on the wall.

Geraint Jones hit an unbeaten 43 late on from just 35 balls but the game was well beyond the Spitfires by that stage.