KENT Spitfires' chances of retaining their NUL title crashed and burned as they were beaten by the Worcestershire Royals at New Road yesterday.

This was a must-win game for both sides and Kent got off to the best possible start with captain Matthew Fleming in top form.

Fleming (68) and Robert Key (46) shared in a century stand for the opening wicket but the innings lost momentum.

Gareth Batty pegged back the visitors with two quick wickets as the Spitfires seemingly hit the panic button.

But David Fulton (41) and Paul Nixon (24) did their best to help set a challenging target.

However the Royals, six points ahead of their third-placed rivals before the game, could count themselves lucky not to have faced a larger total after four needless run outs and the dismissal of dangerman Steve Waugh for only three.

But the hosts quickly set about their task with Vikram Solanki smashing 46 off 38 balls, although fellow opener Anurag Singh fell for just six and his replacement James Piper last only four balls before departing for a duck.

It never looked enough, however, once captain Graeme Hick had settled he shared in crucial stands with Ben Smith and finally with Kabir Ali to take the Royals back to the top.

Hick hit an accomplished 77 not out as Worcestershire reached their victory target with five balls to spare.

Martin Saggers took four wickets with Steve Waugh, having his first bowl for the Spitfires, took 2 for 6.