County Championship Division One - day one (close)

Somerset 308-7 v Essex

MARCUS Trescothick fell five runs short of a 67th First Class century and Tom Abell was also in the runs as Somerset built a strong platform on the first day of the County Championship clash against Essex.

Steve Davies chipped in with 45 while Lewis Gregory will resume on 42 not out in the morning as Somerset reached 308-7 when bad light brought a premature end to the day's play with 92 of the scheduled 96 overs bowled.

On the first day of Championship cricket in Taunton since June, the hosts - missing Craig Overton due to an ankle injury - won the toss and chose to bat on a slightly overcast morning.

Trescothick was straight into his stride, punishing anything overpitched from Jamie Porter, and the scoreboard read 38 without loss when Eddie Byrom feathered Peter Siddle behind on 16.

Azhar Ali's first innings in front of his new home crowd ended on 17 when he was caught at mid-wicket trying to take the attack to spinner Simon Harmer, and Porter ensured the first session was an even one by trapping James Hildreth (9) in front with the final ball before lunch.

Trescothick and Tom Abell made good progress in the afternoon session until their blossoming partnership was ended when the veteran, having struck 16 boundaries in his 95, took on a Siddle short ball but picked out Nick Browne at deep square-leg.

Abell soon passed his half-century as he and Steve Davies took the score past 200, and the stand had reached 64 when Abell edged Ravi Bopara behind and departed for a well made 70.

Davies was clean bowled by Porter for 45 and Dom Bess (8) was disappointed to guide a Siddle delivery straight to Dan Lawrence in the gully, but Gregory and Jamie Overton saw Somerset to their third batting point before the poor light intervened.

The pair will look to ensure the hosts post at least 350 in the morning, with 400 still achievable if the tail can stay with Gregory.

Leaders Surrey, meanwhile, were bowled out for 210 on the opening afternoon of their day/night clash with Lancashire at The Kia Oval.