Tom Taylor took three wickets to halt Lancashire’s progress after a record-breaking partnership between Ashwell Prince and Alviro Petersen dominated Day Two at Southport.
Derbyshire were bowled out for 370 after an early morning cameo from Matt Critchley (41), before Mark Footitt (1-56) and Taylor (3-87) helped to reduce Lancashire to 18-2 early on in their reply.
But South Africa duo Prince and Petersen (112) took the initiative away from the visitors to bat throughout the afternoon session and break the record for the highest third-wicket partnership for Lancashire versus Derbyshire with a stand of 258.
Taylor took two more wickets after tea, including that of Petersen, but Prince remained unbeaten on 155 at stumps with Lancashire on 348-4, trailing by 22 runs.
The morning started brightly for Derbyshire as they added 35 runs to their overnight total before being bowled out for 370, with Critchley adding some useful runs in a frustrating half hour for Lancashire’s bowlers.
The visitors also started well with the ball and it was Footitt who got the breakthrough in just the fifth over as his swinging delivery was too good for Paul Horton, who edged it to Chesney Hughes at slip for four.
Taylor then struck just three overs later as he dismissed the other opener in Karl Brown, who was caught behind by Harvey Hosein for 6.
South Africa duo Petersen and Prince came to the crease at 18-2 and they helped to lead the Lancashire recovery in style. Both batsman brought their half-centuries up after lunch, as an impressive partnership passed the three-figure mark.
The pair added 141 runs in a wicket-less afternoon session, as Lancashire’s thoughts changed from stabilising their innings into establishing a considerable lead.
The two batsmen both reached their centuries after tea as they broke the record for the highest third-wicket partnership for Lancashire against Derbyshire.
A superb stand of 258 was finally ended by Taylor as Petersen was caught behind for 112 by Hosein, who was standing up to the stumps.
Captain Steven Croft came to the crease with the score on 276-3 and he hit two sixes early on, before Taylor trapped him lbw for 22 for his third wicket.
The veteran Prince, who reversed his decision to retire at the start of the season, brought up a sumptuous 150 in the latter stages of the day as Lancashire closed on 348-4, trailing by just 22 runs.
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Photography: David Griffin
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