Rob Key’s hundred and Fabian Cowdrey’s maiden half century on his Yorkshire Bank 40 debut were the highlights as Kent Spitfires moved into second place in Group A after their 39-run win over Worcestershire Royals at New Road on Sunday.

Key made 112 off 93 balls – his eighth one-day hundred – putting on 182 in only 26 overs with Sam Northeast who made 93 before being parted.

Spitfires struggled to retain their momentum, before Cowdrey’s 52 not out off 30 balls, including a six off the last ball, saw them to to 289-6.

Royals’ skipper Daryl Mitchell hit 68 and Gareth Andrew 43, before Coles completed the win dismissing Jack Shantry as the home side were all out for 250.

Key was in great form, hitting 14 fours and a six, before falling to a fine catch in the deep by Ross Whiteley.

Darren Stevens (2) and Brendan Nash (11) went quickly, before Northeast was fourth out at 264, hitting six fours and a six in his 89-ball knock.

Matt Coles and Geraint Jones both fell for singles figures but Cowdrey justified his inclusion with a sparkling knock, cracking five fours and two maximums.

Royals lost both openers Moeen Ali and Alexei Kervezee with only 38 on the board to Mark Davies and Matt Coles respectively.

Skipper Daryl Mitchell kept his side in the game with 68 off 66 balls until trapped leg before by Adam Riley, the spinner then removing Gareth Andrew for 43, to leave the home side 170-7.

Brett D’Oliveira (28) and Ben Cox (26) held up Spitfires before Coles (2-44) ended the contest off the penultimate ball of the match.

Davies (2-46), skipper James Tredwell (2-43), Riley (2-33) and Mitch Claydon (2-29) shared the other wickets.

The victory moves the Spitfires a point above Steelbacks – the two sides meet at Northampton on Tuesday.