Adshead enjoyed two crucial knocks in Herefordshire's five-wicket victory

Herefordshire recorded their first three-day win in Minor Counties Championship in five years as they beat Devon by five wickets at Eastnor.

Ex-Gloucestershire and Worcestershire wicketkeeper Steve Adshead made 110 and 86 on his return to Herefordshire duty to help guide his team to victory.

"The bowling performance in the second innings was fantastic," said Adshead.

"It gave us the chance to win. We had to bat well to do it but luckily they wanted to push the game along."

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Devon started well on Sunday's opening day, being bowled out for 343 in their first innings, teenage opener Matt Thompson (122) making a maiden Minor Counties century.

Spinner Charlie Griffiths bowled well for Herefordshire, taking 6-77 on his way to match figures of 11-117.

We've applied ourselves really well and have shown a lot of character today Herefordshire skipper Chris Boroughs

After Adshead had put Herefordshire right back into the game with his first innings century, the home side then collapsed to 266 all out.

But Herefordshire's bowlers - again led by Griffiths - produced an excellent showing on day two to bowl out Devon for only 156.

Set 234 for victory, Adshead, released by Gloucestershire at the end of last season, was again in great form, making 86 before falling victim to what looked a harsh lbw decision.

"It got harder to score as the game went on as the pitch got a little bit slower with the nice weather we have been having," Adshead told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I certainly had to work a lot harder for the runs in the second innings.

"I probably feel a little bit prouder of that innings than I do of the first one," he added.

Faisial Shahid (64) and James Ralph (35no) saw Herefordshire home to their first three-day victory since beating Wales at Luctonians in 2005.

They have recorded a win over Cornwall since then, but this was in a match reduced to one innings after the first two days were lost to rain.

Herefordshire skipper Chris Boroughs was full of praise for the way his batsmen had dug in but he felt the contribution of young spinner Griffiths had proved crucial.

"He bowled well in the first innings," said Boroughs. "But, in the second innings, it was doubly important as we needed to bowl them out to make sure we didn't have to chase too many runs.

"He has bowled really well both days and is progressing nicely.

"We've applied ourselves. Steve Adshead and Faisal Shahid have batted really well and we've shown a lot of character today."

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