Ben Hutton and Ed Joyce struck timely half-centuries to get Middlesex out of trouble on a rain-affected day against Essex.

Jon Dakin produced a great opening spell to give Essex the edge after they won the toss and inserted the hosts.

With play only getting under way after lunch, Jon Dakin made hay in favourable conditions to single-handedly reduce them 23-3 early on.

But Hutton and Joyce dug deep with a 128-run stand for the third wicket.

Joyce fell caught and bowled to Ravinder Bopara for 69 just before stumps.

Hutton, 69 not out at the close of play, was joined at the crease by Pakistani Abdul Razzaq, who remained unbeaten on 15.

Middlesex: A J Strauss (Capt), S G Koenig, O A Shah, D C Nash, E C Joyce, Abdul Razzaq, P N Weekes, B L Hutton, S J Cook A A Noffke, C B Keegan.

Essex: D D J Robinson, W I Jefferson, A P Grayson (Capt), A Flower, A Habib, J S Foster, R S Bopara, J M Dakin, J D Middlebrook, G R Napier, S A Brant.