HEREFORDSHIRE started their ECB 50+ Championship programme with an eight-wicket defeat by Staffordshire at Brock-hampton last Wedne-sday.

But the game was marred by an injury to all-rounder Jim Sandford who had to be taken to hospital after suffering a broken collar-bone while batting.

Play was held up for almost an hour while an ambulance was called to take the Eastnor skipper to hospital and this caused the game to be reduced to 35 overs per side.

Sandford had made 14 before sustaining his injury after Herefordshire had won the toss and elected to bat, lending good support to Dennis Malley, who top-scored with 41.

There were other useful contributions from Pete Hoare (22) and Brian Goode (11) while Steve Newton struck five fours and a six in his quick-fire undefeated 31 as Herefordshire finished on 142-7.

Although Newton made an early breakthrough with the ball, bowling opener D Sharp for 11, skipper David Brock then compiled a useful 42 before being caught on the boundary by Malley off the bowling of Goode as the visitors made headway towards their target.

M Womble (63 not out) and L West (18 not out) then guided Staffordshire comfortably to their victory.