Only Tom Westley's defiant 72 saved Essex from a total batting humiliation as Charl Willoughby finished with 5-72.

In reply, Marcus Trescothick, Neil Edwards and James Hildreth registered half-centuries as Somerset looked to build a substantial first innings lead.

All, though, fell victim to Danish Kaneria who claimed all six wickets.

England Under-19 player Westley, in only his third Championship match, displayed a composure lacking in his more experienced team-mates as he impressed with some well-timed drives.

He was finally caught behind off Willoughby but his 72 was exactly half his team's total as no other player made more than 15.

Somerset raced along in reply, Trescothick leading the way with 59 from 50 balls, Edwards nearly matching him with 55 from 52 and Hildreth compiling a rather more patient 61.