HIGH class spin bowling proved Herefordshire's downfall as they slumped to a six-wicket defeat against Dorset at Colwall.

The visiting off-spinner Jigar Naik, who topped the first-class bowling averages in 2010 during a 10-year career with Leicestershire, has been in outstanding form during the last month.

Two five-wicket hauls in three matches for his club side Sileby and 10 wickets in the match in Dorset's last outing against Wiltshire were surpassed by two excellent efforts at Colwall, five wickets in the first innings followed by seven in the second as Herefordshire collapsed horribly from 71-1 to 89-8.

Colwall groundsman Derek Brimmell had predicted a turning pitch from the outset but Herefordshire appeared to have taken a big advantage by winning the toss and choosing to bat on a warm and sunny first morning.

But the home side rather let things slip away with some poor shots and a needless run out seeing wickets tumble.

Only Peter Burgoyne, who held the top order together with 60 going in at number three, emerged with any real credit as Herefordshire slumped to 123-6 just after lunch.

However, with a score under 150 a distinct possibility, teenagers Barney Morgan and Jack Taylor picked an excellent time to underline their undoubted potential with a century stand.

Both showed composed defence against Naik (5-75) but also gave range to their shots, with Taylor (41) launching two big sixes and Morgan stroking five fours and a six on his way to 68.

When Dorset replied, Burgoyne picked up a spectacular slip catch to help Dan Conway mark his 50th Herefordshire appearance and, with the visitors 52-3 overnight, it seemed to have been a good day for the home side.

But on the second morning Dorset opener Sam Collins (129) grafted towards a century in partnership with skipper Chris Park (83) as the pair added 158 for the fourth wicket.

The visitors' first innings closed 31 runs ahead and, despite the early loss of Jamie Harrison, skipper Matt Pardoe (39) and Burgoyne moved the score on comfortably.

But Pardoe's dismissal by Naik (7-47) led to a swift collapse with Benny Ellis, Ian Bullock, Morgan, Taylor Pugh and Taylor all dismissed without scoring.

Jamie McIlroy (two) showed patience and application to survive 58 balls and guide Burgoyne past 60 for the second time in the match.

But Herefordshire were all out for 127 and the target of 97, despite a flurry of early wickets, was never really enough to challenge the visitors.