Kent Spitfires defied the rain as they smashed their way to a seven-wicket win over Gloucestershire Gladiators at Bristol to move up to third place in the Friends Life t20 South Group table.

With the match initially reduced to 16 overs, Kevin O’Brien hit an unbeaten 43, having been dropped by Denly having only scored one, as Gloucestershire made 116-5.

The game was then reduced further, leaving Kent with an adjusted target of 76 from 10 overs.

Their reply was twice interrupted by rain but Denly, pictured, (23), Rob Key (10) and Azhar Mahwood (20) gave Kent a solid start and then Darren Stevens (11 not out) and Sam Northeast (8 not out) led the Spitfires to victory on 79-3 off the first ball of the final over.

Kent are now well-placed to qualify for the quarter-finals, lying level with second-placed Somerset on 16 points and with a game in hand.