County Championship: Rudolph ensures even day with Essex

Jacques Rudolph reached his third Championship half-century of the season

Glamorgan's Jacques Rudolph batted the whole day to ensure parity against Essex on a rain-affected first day.

Play got underway at 13:40 BST and regular wickets threatened to undermine the hosts' efforts after being put in.

But Rudolph (81 not out) held the innings together as Ryan ten Doeschate (2-24) and Graham Napier (2-59) removed four of his batting partners.

Graham Wagg (17 not out)) stayed with Rudolph to the close to help Glamorgan to 187-5.

Ten Doeschate, playing his first Championship match of the season in place of the injured Jesse Ryder, took the important wickets of Colin Ingram (26) and Chris Cooke (20) just as they were beginning to build partnerships with Rudolph.

Will Bragg and Mark Wallace both fell to Napier, but Rudolph faced 210 deliveries to finish the day 19 runs short of his second Championship century of the season.

Glamorgan captain Jacques Rudolph told BBC Radio Wales Sport:

"I think 280-300 might end up being a good score on that wicket.

"A very high percentage of the balls were OK to play but the odd ball just bounced. Some of the guys got really good balls; Mark Wallace at the end got a ball that really bounced.

"It always helps the bowling team if there is poor weather around because it's difficult for batters to get into a rhythm."