HEREFORDSHIRE lost their first game in the Unicorn Minor Counties Knock-out Trophy – going down to a six-wicket defeat against Staffordshire.

Staffordshire won the toss and put Herefordshire into bat.

Herefordshire were soon in trouble, finding themselves at 32-4, with Staffordshire bowlers Brindra Phagura and Greg Willott using the conditions well.

However, David Ball and Peter Burgoyne had an excellent stand of 126, with Ball eventually out for 60 and Burgoyne 71.

The last five wickets fell quickly though for 23 runs and Herefordshire were bowled out for 181 in 45.4 overs.

Phagura ended with excellent figures of 4-14, while Paul Byrne snapped up another two wickets.

in reply, Staffordshire bowled with caution at first, with Kadeer Ali, cousin of former England player Kabir Ali, top scoring with 66.

Peter Wilshaw also attacked Herefordshire's bowling attack, scoring an excellent 34, while Michael Hill and Danny Brierley posted 29 and 27 respectively.

Staffordshire reached their total with 4.5 overs left to play.

Herefordshire's next game is against Wales at Eastnor on May 22.