Wayne Madsen scored 76, passing 9,000 career first-class runs in the process, but Derbyshire go into Day Three trailing Leicestershire by 181 runs with four wickets in hand after a century by Ned Eckersley.
Eckersley’s 11th century in first-class cricket helped his side get up to 380 in their first innings before being dismissed with debutant Callum Parkinson collecting 4-90.
In reply, Derbyshire lost early wickets but Madsen hit 76 during a vital partnership with Alex Hughes, who finished the day on 40 not out with his side 199-6.
The visitors begun the day in search of quick wickets but Ben Raine complimented Eckersley well to frustrate the Derbyshire attack during the first hour until eventually being caught behind by Alex Mellor off Alex Hughes for 33.
Rob Jones replaced Raine but only made eight until he was bowled by Neil Broom’s second ball of the match. The Leicestershire innings was finished off for 380 shortly after when Eckersley, having reached a 223-ball century, was dismissed by Parkinson (4-90) for 117.
Derbyshire lost opening pair Billy Godleman (12) and Ben Slater (15) early on, bowled by Clint McKay and Ben Raine respectively, and then Chesney Hughes (11) was also bowled by Raine with the score 40-3.
Madsen and Broom came together and showed defiance to add 82 for the fourth wicket but Broom (30) and Shiv Thakor (0) fell on the stroke of tea which the visitors took on 125-5.
Alex Hughes had joined Madsen shortly before the interval and upon the resumption helped accumulate a half-century partnership in the face of adversity.
Madsen, meanwhile, was scoring relatively freely and, having secured 71-ball half-century, surpassed 9,000 career first-class runs at an average just shy of 40.
He could not, however, complete a 24th century in the format as he was out on 76, caught by Mark Cosgrove at mid-wicket off Charlie Shreck to leave Derbyshire 174-6.
On first-class debut, Mellor faced 45 balls before the close of play and scored six runs in helping Alex Hughes see Derbyshire through to stumps on 199-6.
Derbyshire will resume on Day Three 181 runs behind with Alex Hughes on 40 not out.
Derbyshire host their first ever Real Ale Beer Festival on Day One and Day Two of the Specsavers County Championship fixture versus Essex, on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August. To book your tickets, or for more information, please call 01332 388 101, email [email protected] or buy online HERE.
