LORD'S-BOUND Glamorgan made the decision to rest Graham Wagg and Jim Allenby in Essex and the all-rounders weren't the only ones to spend yesterday with their feet up, writes Chris Kirwan.

The first day of the County Championship, Division Two clash in Chelmsford was hindered by the weather with Glamorgan finishing on 103-2 off 42 overs.

The loss of overs and grim weather means it is likely that Matthew Mott's side will be in action on Friday before taking on Nottinghamshire in the final of the Yorkshire Bank 40 on Saturday.

Promotion-chasing 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.

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.

But the experienced Goodwin, now on his 41st year, and 25 year-old Wright were to revive 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.

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 on 48 while Wright goes into action again with 44 to his name.