Nick Browne and Shiv Thakor both claimed career-bests as Essex declared on 538-7, before Derbyshire closed on 124-2, on Day Two at Chelmsford.
Opener Browne was the star for the hosts, batting over nine hours to hit his maiden first-class double-century, before he was Thakor’s third wicket of the innings.
The all-rounder was the standout bowler ending with best figures of 4-107, but 116 from Dan Lawrence and 51 from Jesse Ryder helped Essex to their declaration total.
In response, Derbyshire reached 124-2 at stumps with Billy Godleman hitting 43 and Chesney Hughes 37, before both fell before the close.
Godleman said: “We find ourselves a long way behind Essex. But the wicket is still a good one and there is still plenty of time left in this game.
“It was disappointing to get out on any surface but especially this one. It felt to start off with that there was a bit of seam movement, but once that passes it felt like a good time to bat. To get out at that stage was really disappointing.”
Browne and Lawrence put on 210 for the fourth wicket as Essex enjoyed a fruitful first session. Both carried on where they left off the night before with Browne reaching his maiden double-century and Lawrence eventually departing for his first hundred of the season.
Browne flicked Matt Critchley to deep mid-wicket to reach 200 off 401 balls with 28 fours. Lawrence, meanwhile, had scampered a quick single to mid-on off Wayne Madsen to bring up his century from 181 balls with 10 fours.
Lawrence finally fell for 116, getting an inside edge to the fifth ball of Chesney Hughes’s first over.
Ryder was the new man and he also shared a century stand with Browne, hitting a brisk 51 off 62 balls to accelerate the scoring. He, however, fell to Thakor after some good work by Tom Poynton to stump the New Zealand international.
Thakor, continuing his good start to the season, then had Browne, who was dismissed for 255 which included 34 fours and one six, and Foster (17) to bring the Essex declaration on 538-7.
Godleman – who passed 2,000 first-class runs for Derbyshire, and Hughes started well sharing a 65-run opening stand in response before both fell before stumps.
Hamish Rutherford (28 not out) and Wayne Madsen (seven not out) safely guided the visitors to the close to end on 124-2, trailing Essex by 414.
Derbyshire Falcons host their opening home NatWest T20 Blast fixture vs Leicestershire Foxes on Friday 3 June. Buy your tickets in advance to secure your seat and save 20%.
Leicestershire Foxes – Friday 3 June – BUY NOW
Birmingham Bears – Friday 17 June – BUY NOW
Notts Outlaws – Friday 24 June – BUY NOW
Northants Steelbacks – Sunday 3 July – BUY NOW
Yorkshire Vikings – Sunday 10 July – BUY NOW
Lancashire Lightning – Wednesday 13 July – BUY NOW
Worcestershire Rapids – Friday 22 July – BUY NOW
