HEREFORDSHIRE held the upper hand after the first day of three in their Minor Counties Championship Western Division clash with Cheshire at Luctonians Cricket Club, Kingsland.

Aamir Farooque made 72 not out and skipper Chris Boroughs hit 51 as the home side declared their first innings on 291-9, before they claimed two quick wickets in the last seven overs of the day.

Pacemen Paul Thomas and Nick Davies were the bowlers to do the damage in taking a wicket each as Cheshire closed the day in trouble on 22-2.

Herefordshire are seeking their second win out of two in the Minor Counties Championship after defeating Wales in their opening game at Colwall last month.