The gloom at the St Lawrence as Kent Spitfires beat the Surrey Brown Caps. Picture: Barry Goodwin

Kent Spitfires emerged from the Canterbury gloom with an eight run Duckworth/Lewis victory against Surrey Brown Caps in somewhat farcical circumstances.

Forecast high winds meant the St Lawrence floodlights were unlikely to be used so the match was reduced to 27 overs per side in an attempt to get the game finished before darkness.

Kent continued their policy of playing a young side in the competition and promising 19 year-old batsman Sam Northeast top scored for them with 69 on their way to a total of 167 for 6.

The floodlights had to be taken down during Surrey's reply as the wind strengthened and Spitfires captain for the day James Tredwell gave his side a stranglehold with two wickets as the visitors struggled to keep up with the Duckworth/Lewis par score.

Umpires George Sharp and Peter Willey eventually called an end to the match in near darkness after Tredwell reintroduced pace bowler Azhar Mahmood into the attack.

It was a welcome change for the Spitfires who lost a game in similarly farcical fashion against Sussex Sharks at Hove earlier in the season and maintains their young side's position at the top of the Pro 40 Division Two table.