Less than 61 overs play was possible on day two because of poor light at various times and the gloom frustrated Essex's promotion bid.

Essex's lower order added 95 runs to their overnight score of 368 for five, with captain Paul Grayson (36) and Jon Dakin (38 not out) the chief accumulators.

In Durham's reply, Michael Gough held firm to reach stumps on 41 not out after Graham Napier removed his opening partner Gary Pratt for 20 and the Aussie number three Brad Hodge for just two.

Both men were bowled by the medium-pacer before Jamie Foster caught Gordon Muchall off the bowling of Joe Grant.

That made the score 58 for three, and one more wicket fell before the close, with Durham yet to reach treble figures - Ashley Thorpe caught by Mark Waugh off Grayson for 14.

Durham: M A Gough, G J Pratt, B J Hodge, G J Muchall, A M Thorpe, I Pattison, A Pratt (Wkt), I D Hunter, N C Phillips (Capt), N Killeen, S J Harmison.

Essex: D D J Robinson, W I Jefferson, J P Stephenson, M E Waugh, A Habib, A P Grayson (Capt), J S Foster (Wkt), J M Dakin, J D Middlebrook, G R Napier, J B Grant.

Essex won toss and decided to bat