Sussex's interest in the Second XI One Day Trophy is over after a 54-run defeat by Kent at Hove.

All-rounder Will House fired 77 from only 58 balls against his former county but it was not enough as Sussex, chasing a target of 286 in 41 overs, were bowled out for 231 with five deliveries left.

Sussex play group leaders Surrey at Hove today and MCC Young Professionals, also at headquarters, tomorrow but cannot now qualify for the semis.

House ensured his side went down fighting by thumping seven fours and four sixes in his stay of nearly one and half hours.

Their hopes were hit after he was fourth out when bowled by off spinner James Tredwell.

The middle order struggled to maintain the momentum as medium-pacer James Lincoln picked up 3-30, and Sussex fell short despite 33 from Carl Hopkinson and a battling unbeaten 26 by Nick Creed.

Sussex received an early shock when Tony Cottey was caught at the wicket for only six off David Masters, who took 2-29 in 8.1 overs.

Alex Louden insured Sussex faced a testing target by amassing 103 not out as Kent posted 285-7 after being sent in.

The tall 21-year-old Londoner blasted 13 fours and a six in his chanceless innings which came off only 80 balls.

Sussex were made to suffer as Louden and Matt Banes put on 142 for the fourth wicket before Banes, on 73, skied Jamie Carpenter to Bas Zuiderent on the deep square leg boundary.

Banes struck seven boundaries in his 80-ball innings and Carpenter went on to be Sussex's most successful bowler with 3-32 in three overs.

Early morning rain held up the start until 1.30pm and opener James Hockley helped give the visitors a useful start by stroking 44 before being bowled by medium-pacer Creed.