Essex took command of their game against Glamorgan thanks to a spell of five for 22 in nine overs by leg spinner Danish Kaneria.

After the first day had been rained off, Essex skipper Mark Pettini put the hosts in, with Kaneria helping to reduce Glamorgan to 132 all out.

The last eight wickets fell for just 39 runs in 14.4 overs.

Essex openers Varun Chopra and Jason Gallian eased their side to 54-0 before rain brought play to a premature close.

There was no play after 1630 BST and Glamorgan will have been the happier with the intervention of the weather.

They had little answer to Pakistan bowler Kaneria, who was brought on just before lunch as Glamorgan appeared to be making progress after the loss of two early wickets.

But Kaneria broke through in the last over before lunch when he trapped Gareth Rees leg before to leave the home side on 93-3.

Glamorgan crumbled after the interval and Essex will be hoping for more play on the two remaining days of the match to further exert their authority.