Matt Coles starred as Kent Spitfires rounded off a disappointing Friends Life t20 South Division campaign with a convincing eight-wicket win over Sussex Sharks at Hove on Wednesday.

Coles, who had conceded 85 runs off eight overs in his two previous matches, bounced back to claim 3-14, backed up by Mitch Claydon (3-22) and the impressive Adam Riley (1-14) as Sussex were all out for 113.

Promoting Coles to number three paid off, as he blasted 40 off 23 balls with three sixes and three fours, before being bowled by left-arm spinner Will Beer’s first ball of the match.

Kent still needed 41 at that stage, but Fabian Cowdrey (28 not out) and Sam Billings (19 not out) finished the job, Sussex gifting them 17 wides, as Kent won with 41 balls to spare.

Sussex made a rapid start after winning the toss, with openers Matt Machan and Luke Wright hitting 39 off the first five overs, 22 of them of Mark Davies, including three sixes, before the Kent seamer dismissed the former for 31.

Coles struck two key blows, claiming Wright and Chris Nash to catches by Sam Billings and Daniel Bell-Drummond, and then got rid of Ed Joyce for 26.

He also claimed two catches to help dismiss the dangerous Scott Styris and Sharks skipper Michael Yardy off Claydon.

The Durham loanee then claimed Beer and wicketkeeper Callum Jackson before Coles was in the action again running out James Anyon on the last ball of the innings.