HEREFORDSHIRE have posted a competitive total against Staffordshire in their Unicorns Minor Counties Knockout Trophy final at Wormsley today.

David Ball led Herefordshire’s charge, with a run-a-ball 85 as they reached 258-9 from 50 overs after winning the toss and deciding to bat in sunny conditions.

Ball, who struck 10 fours and a six, was backed up by Peter Burgoyne (40 from 38 balls) after Herefordshire had slipped to 166-6 in 36.3 overs.

Matt Pardoe (25) and Liam Gwynne (20) had earlier put on 44 runs for the opening wicket in 8.5 overs to give Herefordshire a decent start.

Ed Pollock (25) and Neil Pinner (17) also contributed with the bat for Herefordshire, while Sam Kelsall (3-29) and Matt Coxon (2-26) were Staffordshire’s most successful bowlers.

In reply, Staffordshire are 60-2 from 12 overs after Jamie McIlroy and Dan Conway struck early blows for Herefordshire.