HEREFORDSHIRE coach Harshad Patel hopes last week's Unicorns Minor Counties Knock-out Trophy win will leave a lasting legacy within the county.

Patel is the first man in Minor Counties history to both captain and coach a side to knock-out success following Herefordshire's famous victory at Lord's in 2000.

Last week's 56-run victory may not have been at the home of cricket, but the way in which Herefordshire prevailed against a strong Staffordshire side at the picturesque setting of Wormsley will still live long in the memory for everyone present.

"It was a very good day and you're always happy when you win, especially on such big occasions," said Patel.

"You've got to flood clubs with junior cricket because if you do that, then clubs can move them to youth county and we can then develop them.

"Chris Whittock was a junior who joined us two or three years ago from nowhere and is now captaining the Unicorns.

"Ed Pollock was also a junior who went on to sign for Warwickshire.

"We've had our ups and downs, including some losses and wins, but the guys have bonded well.

"The bond was so strong in 2000 when we created such a good team spirit and the same thing is happening now.

"When you're backs are against the wall, we have got players who will do anything for each other.

"I think we're doing a decent job in promoting people in the county set up."

David Ball led Herefordshire's charge with a run-a-ball 85 as they reached 258-9 from 50 overs.

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.

Herefordshire struck early when Staffordshire were put into bat, removing openers Kadeer Ali and Sam Kelsall to leave the favourites reeling on 19-2.

Alex Mellor and Peter Wilshaw steadied the flow for Staffordshire before Will Barrett removed Mellor's wicket.

And when Barrett got rid of Tim Maxfield for just two, Staffordshire were 69-4.

Willshaw and Michael Hill then put on a 76-run partnership to give Staffordshire hope, but Herefordshire quickly snapped up three wickets to put the county side in firm control.

Hill went on to make 50 for Staffordshire before he was bowled by Barrett.

That left Staffordshire on 189-8 and Herefordshire soon snapped up the final two wickets to seal victory.