Assistant coach Matt Walker revealed the excitement of the Kent coaching staff at this week’s victory over Surrey which he says is a “template for success” this season.

Kent produced the display they were looking for to record their first win of the LV= County Championship Division 2 season, bowling the visitors out for 285 before amassing 435 in reply thanks to centuries from Rob Key and Brendan Nash, and a welcome knock of 53 from Sam Northeast.

Spinner Adam Riley then claimed a five-wicket haul, to go with his four in the first innings, to bowl out Surrey for 203 on the final day – a lead of just 53, which Kent polished off for the loss of just two wickets.

Walker said: “If you want to win, want success and want to get promoted, then that is the bar. Cricket isn’t rocket science, bowl the ball in the right spot, bat a long period of time, take opportunities and put yourself in good positions.

“This game is the template almost, especially with the ball. If you concentrate on getting the ball in the right areas and keep coming, then it’s a great example for the lads to see.

“If we can make that the template for our season, then we’ll not go too far wrong.”

The Kent side featured Academy products Sam Northeast, Adam Riley, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Sam Billings and Adam Ball and Walker added: “The more we see the youngsters developing alongside the senior players, it’s good.

“This has been a proper all-round performance. It’s been exciting this week.

“It’s a long season, there are going to be challenges, injuries, tired bodies, we’ve a busy schedule coming up, particularly with the t20… it’s all thrown at you but if you want to challenge and be successful, then the standards set this week are what’s needed.

“The bottom line is it’s all about executing your skills. It’s exactly what we did in the first three days.”

He added: “Anyone there to witness Keysey and Nashy batting on the second afternoon saw some fantastic cricket, a high skill level.

“We knew a century for Keysey was just around the corner, the way he’s been hitting the ball and his balance – he’s been in great nick.

“It was another great hundred from him, that’s fifty-something, and 18,000 First Class runs. That’s water off a duck’s back to him but it is a great achievement.”

Walker revealed Robbie Joseph is in line to return to the squad for Sunday’s trip to Derbyshire as Ball has an exam on Monday, while Kent might consider an extra batsman depending on the pitch conditions in Derby, with Fabian Cowdrey in the frame.