HEREFORDSHIRE won the Unicorns Minor Counties Knockout Trophy with a 56-run win over Staffordshire at Wormsley.

It is the county’s first triumph since winning the trophy at Lord’s in 2000.

David Ball led Herefordshire’s charge with a run-a-ball 85 as his side reached 258-9 from 50 overs after winning the toss and batting first in sunny conditions.

Ball, who struck 10 fours and a six, was backed up by Peter Burgoyne (40 from 38 balls) after Herefordshire slipped to 166-6 in 36.3 overs.

Former Worcestershire player Matt Pardoe (25) and Worcester-born Liam Gwynne (20) earlier put on 44 for the opening wicket in 8.5 overs.

Ed Pollock (25) and another New Road old boy Neil Pinner (17) also contributed with the bat, while Sam Kelsall took 3-29 and Matt Coxon 2-26.

Herefordshire struck early when Staffordshire were put into bat, removing openers Kadeer Ali and Sam Kelsall to leave the favourites reeling on 19-2.

Alex Mellor and Peter Wilshaw steadied the flow before Will Barrett removed the former’s wicket.

When Barrett got rid of Tim Maxfield for just two, Staffordshire were 69-4.

Wilshaw and Michael Hill put on a 76-run partnership to give Staffordshire hope but Herefordshire quickly snapped up three wickets to take firm control.

Hill went on to make 50 before he was bowled by Barrett.

And Herefordshire soon snapped up the final two wickets to seal victory.

Barrett (4-25) was the pick of the bowlers with Dan Conway (3-39) and Jamie McIlroy (2-44) also among the wicket takers.