HEREFORDSHIRE slipped to a 20-run defeat at Colwall against a strong Warwickshire side, which included ex-Pakistan captain Mushtaq Mohammed, in their second ECB 50 Plus County Championship match of the season.

Chasing Warwickshire's 173-6, Herefordshire produced a spirited batting display as they attempted to secure their second victory, but they were eventually dismissed for 153 with 10 balls remaining.

Warwickshire made a good start after being inserted, with T Pidgeon (45) and Kenny Porter (31) putting on 81 runs for the opening wicket. Porter was well caught by Brian Goode off Jim Sandford (1-30)

The fall of the first wicket brought Mohammed to the crease. However, the former Test star had scored only nine when he was caught by Maurice Embrey off the bowling of Eddie Hill (1-37).

The visitors then slipped to 96-3 before A Neal and J Day (23) repaired the damage, with Neal striking 37 off just 45 balls.

In the closing stages A Peeples hit an unbeaten 14 for Warwickshire which helped steer the visitors to a competitive total.

Spinner Ian Macklin (2-32) was Herefordshire's most successful bowler and he was supported by Sandford, Goode (1-11) and Roy Wargen, who delivered nine overs for only 16 runs.

In reply, Herefordshire made a solid start through Maurice Embrey (13) and Goode (11) but they soon fell to 31-3 against a Warwickshire attack led by T Grant (3-28) and G Burdidge (2-35).

Dave Price (37) and Sandford (31) gave Herefordshire renewed optimism with a 58-run partnership for the fourth wicket, coping well against the spin of Mohammed, who claimed 1-38.

Herefordshire attempted to accelerate the run rate in the closing stages but they lost vital wickets in the process.

Although Eddie Hill made 27 and Wargen, 12 not out, Porter grabbed 3-22 to help rush out the hosts and guide Warwickshire to victory.