HEREFORDSHIRE County Cricket Club chairman of selectors Ernie Morgan has his fingers crossed that his side can finish their season off in the perfect way by winning the Unicorns Minor Counties League Knock-out Trophy next week.

Herefordshire, who beat Devon in a thrilling semi-final, face Staffordshire in the showpiece.

It is the first time Herefordshire have been in the final for 16 years.

That win against Cheshire was at Lord’s, but this year’s final is at the picturesque setting of Wormsley at Buckinghamshire.

Next Wednesday’s match is due to start at 11am.

“It won’t be easy because Staffordshire are a very strong outfit who have beaten us in the league format for the past two seasons,” said Morgan.

“We know what we’re up against, but we have a decent side and [Staffordshire captain] Kadir Ali said that the final is between the two best teams, so for him to say that must mean that we’re quite a reasonable team.

“We’re the smallest county, but it’s our third visit to the final.

“We’ve won one and lost one, but the lads are quite optimistic.”

Herefordshire go into the game having finished third in the Championship format following a resounding 200-run win over Wales at Abergavenny.

Peter Burgoyne and captain Matt Pardoe were the star players for Herefordshire as the county side saw off Wales before lunch on the final day.

Herefordshire chose to bat after winning the toss and made 293 in their first innings.

Pardoe top scored with 71, while Burgoyne (56) and David Ball (51) all added useful runs.

Herefordshire were in control from the off when Wales were put into bat and had the hosts reeling at 89-4. Sean Griffiths added some resistance for Wales, but Herefordshire eventually bowled them out for 176; Burgoyne taking 5-40.

Herefordshire then opened up a huge lead in their second innings and declared on 262-8.

Burgoyne made 80 off just 58 balls, with Will Fraine adding another 58 runs.

A mid-order collapse saw Wales go from 133-5 to 179 all out in their second innings, with Pardoe taking 6-32.

Tickets for the Knock-out Final are £7.50 in advance and £10 on the gate, with reduced prices for over 65s and children under 16.

Car parking is included as part of any ticket bought in advance, while hospitality packages cost £72. If the day is affected by the weather, the reserve date is next Thursday.

For more details about the final and to buy tickets, click here.