Northamptonshire opener Stephen Peters' magnificent 175 turned the game in the hosts' favour as they survived a shaky start against Derbyshire.

The 30-year-old plundered 22 fours and one six in a nine-hour innings which was cruelly ended by Nantie Hayward just three runs short of his career best.

Northamptonshire were reduced to 89 for four in the morning session before Peters, along with explosive half centuries by Andrew Hall and Johan van der Wath allowed them to take control of the match.

Derbyshire then had to survive five overs at the end of the day, which Chris Rogers and Stephen Stubbings did as they finished on 11-0.

With Northants commencing on 20 for one after a rain-interrupted first day, Hayward picked up where he left off when he trapped Rob White (18) lbw in the fourth over of the day.

And he claimed his third wicket of the match after a catch high to his right at slip by Stubbings dismissed Alex Wakely, who never looked comfortable, for just four.

Riki Wessels was next out, lbw, for 27 off the bowling of Greg Smith. Peters then claimed a patient half century while he and captain Nicky Boje built up a partnership of 56 runs.

But with the last ball before lunch spinner Jake Needham, in his first over, superbly caught and bowled Boje for 30 to leave the home side at 143-5.

However, some generous bowling allowed Northants to seize the initiative in the afternoon session, where they scored 147 runs for the loss of just one wicket.

Hall quickly got off the mark and made his 50 off 55 balls, while at the other end Peters continued to dig his heels in while hitting three fours in consecutive balls off Ian Hunter.

South African Hall eventually fell before tea when he was stumped by Derbyshire's wicketkeeper Jamie Pipe off the bowling of Needham.

In the very next over, Peters completed his century with yet another excellent cover drive and continued to score steadily until the end of the session.

David Willey at the other end was looking shaky though and in the second over after tea he fell victim to Pipe's second stumping to become Needham's third wicket.

Peters reached 150 soon after but he was finally caught cheaply by Rogers off Hayward as Derbyshire toiled.

Van der Wath then took centre stage, smashing six sixes and scoring 82 off 71 before being caught by Hayward off Hunter after one hit too many, prompting the declaration.