LUKE Ryan claimed four wickets and Karl Penhale three on the first day of Oxfordshire’s Western Division clash with Herefordshire at Banbury yesterday.

On a rain-affected day, the home side made early inroads, but they were unable to press home their advantage, and Herefordshire were bowled out for 308 just before the close.

Oxfordshire handed debuts to 17-year-old Shipton-under-Wychw-ood batsman Joe Barrett and 20-year-old Aston Rowant all-rounder Richard Cook.

They were also forced to make a late change as Richard Kaufman injured a knee in a league game on the Saturday.

He was replaced by Oxford batsman Jamie Perkin.

Heavy rain meant that the start was delayed until 2pm.

Oxfordshire’s opening attack of Karl Penhale and Chad Keegan looked lively on a typically bouncy Banbury pitch, and Keegan soon had Nitesh Patel caught behind off the glove.

Penhale then claimed the wicket of Brad Wadlan, who was also snared by wicket-keeper Jonny Cater.

Penhale soon bowled Charlie Walker, and when opener Liam Gwynne was trapped in front by the Aston Rowant paceman, the visitors were 81-4.

But skipper David Exall and Dan Cox led the recovery, taking the score to 160 before Cox fell to Francois Vainker.

Ryan removed Chris Powell and then Richard West had Exall caught by Lloyd Sabin at long on.

Ryan worked his way through the tail to finish with figures of 4-64 from 22.5 overs and give his side maximum bowling points.