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Lincolnshire cast aside their dislike of grade cricket to launch their championship programme with a victory over Hertfordshire. Mark Fell's men fared wretchedly in last year's three experimental games, mustering only nine points.

They finally mastered the format in scoring 336 off 99.2 overs against Hertfordshire, who were dismissed for 224. Gordon Parsons was one of three Lincolnshire players to compile half-centuries, less than 36 hours after arriving back in this country from South Africa.

A maiden championship century from Matthew Swarbrick, 21, helped Dorset garner a grade win over Herefordshire, while Wales secured a two-innings triumph over Cornwall, David Towse's seven for 46 the best return by a Welsh bowler since they entered the championship in 1988.

Wiltshire and Devon drew, with Chris Steedon blocking the last five balls with Wiltshire 12 runs adrift and nine wickets down.

Berkshire, who have Kevin Shine back in their ranks, also drew their opening game with Herefordshire. Shine played previously for Berkshire in 1986. Andrew Hayhurst, his former captain at Somerset, is the new professional at Northumber- land.