Due to rain, only 27.3 overs were able to be bowled and in that time, Chris Woakes took the wickets of Godleman (22), Mickleburgh (14) to see Essex on 41-2 in the 11th over.
England international Ravi Bopara was keeping the visitors innings going, whilst his partners were giving away their wickets cheaply.
Walker, became Woakes third victim of the innings when he was out without scoring, then Pettini was bowled by Clarke for three and Forster, who lasted seven balls without scoring, provided a wicket for Darren Maddy, as Essex fell to 60-5.
Bopara kept going finishing the day 42 not out whilst at the other end, Boyd Rankin took the wickets of ten Doeschate and Master as play was abandoned for the day, when the rain came down with the score on 90-7.