Essex fell victim to their failings of last summer as they let Surrey off the hook on the opening day of the Championship clash at Chelmsford.
As the game moved into its second hour, the reigning champs were in dire straights at 51-5.
But by the close it was Essex who were looking down and out as Surrey, spearheaded by a Martin Bicknell century, reached 337-8.
After the early moisture had disappeared from the pitch, the visitors were able to progress with comfort against an attack lacking a speed merchant to blow away the late order.
Graham Napier breezed in with three successes in four overs after Scott Brant and Jon Dakin had each grabbed a wicket to put Essex in control.
Azhar Mahmood (77) and Graham Thorpe (52) started the recovery and Bicknell held the tail together with an unbeaten 117 as Surrey eased past the 300-mark.
More on Essex County Cricket Club
Published Thursday, May 22, 2003
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