ESSEX were frustrated by the weather and Glamorgan’s third-wicket pair as they went in search of a victory at Chelmsford to keep alive their hopes of winning promotion from County Championship division two.

After winning the toss, Essex got off to the best possible start by removing the openers inside three overs but Murray Goodwin and Ben Wright put together an unbroken stand of 96 which helped carry the Welsh county to 103 when play ended prematurely because of rain.

Veteran seamer David Masters was responsible for Glamorgan's early woes, striking with the third delivery of the match when Gareth Rees shouldered arms and was bowled by a delivery that nipped back sharply.

Then in his next over, Will Bragg miscued to Ravi Bopara with only seven on the board to leave Glamorgan looking in serious trouble, particularly as leading batsman Jim Allenby was being rested ahead of Saturday’s Yorkshire Bank 40 final with Nottinghamshire at Lord’s.

But the experienced Goodwin, 41, and 25 year-old Wright revived the innings with a determined partnership.

Although they experienced a few anxious moments on a pitch and in conditions that did not make batting an easy task, they gradually gained the initiative.

Early on, a few streaky shots dropped wide of fielders but as they gained the upper hand, the batsmen were helped by bowling that left much to be desired.

Masters was the exception because as usual, he dropped on an immaculate line and length which meant that few risks could be taken against him.

But the rest of his colleagues were guilty of sending down too many wayward deliveries. Too often batsmen were able to let the ball go by without playing a stroke, something which must have left Essex skipper James Foster frustrated.

After a full morning’s session, the clouds gathered during the lunch interval after which only four overs were bowled before rain sent the players scurrying to the pavilion.

At that point, Goodwin and Wright had moved into the 30s and Glamorgan had reached 85 for two after 34 overs.

An early tea was taken but when play did eventually resume at 4pm, only a further eight overs of play were possible before more persistent rain put paid to the day’s play with both batsmen within sight of their respective half-centuries.

Goodwin will resume tomorrow on 48 while Wright goes into action again with 44 to his name.