Opener Sam Billings hit a magnificent century to pave the way for a Kent victory in the Clydesdale Bank Pro40 against Derbyshire at Canterbury on Sunday.

Kent needed some cheer after the dismal three-day defeat to Essex and Billings (pictured) provided it with a remarkable innings in the 111-run win.

The youngster hit 143 before he was out at the death of the Kent innings with the total on 240.

He hit 17 fours and one six in his 113-ball knock, which rescued Kent from 16-2 after skipper Rob Key and Sam Northeast both went without troubling the scorers.

Darren Stevens joined Billings to put on 85 for the third wicket but Stevens was bowled by Chesney Hughes for 40. His knock, from 55 balls, included six boundaries.

Azhar Mahmood went for eight and Alex Blake made just three before he was one of two victims for youngster Peter Burgoyne, who finished with figures of 2-32 from seven overs.

Geraint Jones came to the crease with Kent 123-5 having been 101-2. But he let Billings dominate their stand of 117, although his 41 not out did come at almost a run a ball as Kent set the visitors a target of more than a run a ball from their 40 overs for victory.

Mark Davies, rested from the championship side that were put to the sword by Essex, returned refreshed as he bowled eight overs, as usual, unchanged at the start of the innings.

It is certainly a tactic that is paying off as Davies took 3-25 to leave Derbyshire 55-3 and on the backfoot.

Stevens then took centre stage, bagging five wickets for just seven runs in 19 balls during his eight-over spell of 5-36.

The all-rounder bagged three wickets in quick succession to send Derbyshire from 84-3 to 96-6 with less than half their overs remaining.

It proved a purple patch for Stevens as he claimed two more victims to leave Derbyshire on 105-8.

The visitors were eventually bowled out for 137 in the 31.4 overs.

Picture: Ady Kerry