Surrey rescued by Chris Jordan knock against Essex

Chris Jordan hit a career-best 71 to help promotion-chasing Surrey pick up three batting points on day one of their clash with Essex at Chelmsford.

Surrey, who must win their final two games to stand a realistic chance of pipping Northants to promotion, were deep in trouble on 94-5.

But Jason Roy (43) and Gareth Batty (49) began the recovery before Jordan and Stuart Meaker (38) saw them to 315.

Graham Napier took a career-best 6-53 for Essex, who closed on 6-0.

CLOSE OF PLAY SUMMARY

BBC London 94.9's Mark Church:

"Surrey will be satisfied with their efforts on the opening day at Chelmsford. Having been put in by Essex on an overcast morning they found themselves 148-6 after lunch.

"But Chris Jordan then played a very mature innings of 71 and formed excellent partnerships with Gareth Batty and Stuart Meaker as Surrey were eventually all out for 315.

"Of the Essex bowlers Graham Napier was outstanding with his six wickets. Essex closed 6-0 but Surrey will fancy their chances tomorrow of making quick inroads into the Essex batting line-up and putting the home side under pressure."