TWENTY-one wickets fell on an action-packed opening day to Herefordshire's Minor Counties Championship Western Division clash with Wales at Brockhampton.

Put into bat on a seaming wicket, Herefordshire were bowled out for just 98 with Aamir Farooque top-scoring on 31.

But they hit back well to dismiss Wales for only 107 in reply, Farooque also claiming the bowling honours with 4-11. Former Herefordshire batsman Jamie Sylvester carried his bat for 38no.

With conditions improving, Herefordshire closed on 76-1 in their second innings with skipper Harshad Patel making 30 and Paul Lazenbury 29no.