Sam Billings says Kent need to be better in the field if they want to win this year’s Vitality Blast.

The Spitfires’ fielding has been excellent this season and received many plaudits.

However, against Essex on Thursday night they dropped four catches and made numerous errors in the outfield.

It did not cost them the victory but the Kent captain hopes his side have got that out of their system.

Billings said: “ Ultimately we got the two points and against a very good side. In the south group everyone can beat everyone and there are no weak sides.

“If we want to win this competition we have to be a lot better with the ball and in the field. After a bit of a break off there was probably a bit of rustiness and some nerves as it was on TV but ultimately we have got that out of the system and we push on to Hampshire.

“We have got an opportunity to put that right on Friday.”

Kent beat the Essex Eagles by 28 runs at the Spitfire Ground with Billings scoring 56 not out and put on a 106 run partnership with Marcus Stoinis.

Billings said: “ I thought we were 15 or 20 above par. It was quite tough and we didn’t quite get going at the end and they mixed it up well.

“It shows in T20 the importance of partnerships. You can have a couple of quiet overs but as long as you are running hard. All of a sudden we had a nine or 10 over without taking any risks.

“It was great that Stoinis came in and did that. He showed his class and ball striking. He helped us get up to a score that was too many.

“I loved batting with him. All those years ago he came over and we tried to sign him then. He’s a great bloke and an all round cricketer. He’s a huge asset for our side.

“I’ve seen people get close (to clearing the Frank Woolley) but that was massive. I think the last bloke was probably an Australian in Andrew Symonds. Finch hit it a long way up there a couple of weeks ago but that was huge.”

Kent’s other overseas player, Adam Milne took 4-15 to clean up the Essex tail to seal the victory.

Billings said: “He is world class. If he stays fit he will not only be a huge asset to us but the IPL and New Zealand.

“He bowls and 90mph and executes those yorkers so well. He can mix it up as well with various slower balls. Our recruitment this year has been excellent.”

Kent travel to the Ageas Bowl on Friday to take on Hampshire. They went joint top of the south group with that victory over Essex.

Billings added: “We have got Hampshire on Friday night and then back here on Sunday. We have got to keep improving and we want to win this competition.

“Ultimately, we have to keep getting better and there are areas we want to keep improving.”