A century from Michael Gough has aided Durham's innings at Castle Park against Essex in their Division Two County Championship match.
By tea today the visitors were on 224-8 after winning the toss and electing to bat.
Gough had made an undefeated 101 but Essex had claimed the wickets of Andrew Pratt (14), Ian Hunter (32) and Nicholas Phillips (0) during the afternoon session.
The batsmen to go earlier were Gary Pratt who was out for 0 off the bowling of Mark Ilott and Gordon Muchall who was caught out by the bowling of Graham Napier for 27.
If Essex were concerned about lack of personnel through injuries to Ronnie Irani and Ashley Cowan they weren't showing it on the field.
In the absence of Irani Essex have given a team performance with three other wickets taken in the morning session.
Jonathan Dakin accounted for Peng on 9 and John Stephenson sent Ashley Thorpe back to the pavilion for 9 while Joe Grant took Marc Symington's wicket for 4.
Top wicket taker so far has been Mark Ilott with figures of 2-44.
More on Essex County Cricket Club
Published Wednesday August 21, 2002
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