Leicestershire batting continues to flourish.

Leicestershire enjoyed all-round success on the second day of their visit to Chelmsford after bowling Essex out for 281, responding with yet another impressive batting display as they closed on 255-2.

Ned Eckersley was the stand-out performer last season for Leicestershire and continued to demonstrate his talents with the bat, making an unbeaten century as he and Angus Robson shared an unbeaten 134 run stand for the third-wicket, guiding the visitors towards Essex's score with eight wickets intact.

Essex resumed the second day on 254-6 after they had steadily built their way to a respectable first innings total, but were to lose their final four wickets for 14 runs as Leicestershire nullified their hard work.

Nathan Buck finished with figures of 5-76 claiming two wickets in the morning session and was assisted by Charlie Shreck (2-54) as Essex's innings was curtailed by impressive bowling from the visitors.

The horror of last season seems to be a distant memory after notable all-round displays from Leicestershire this season, but the visitors had to negotiate an early set back after Matthew Boyce  (2) gave loan-signing, Oliver Newby a good start to his spell at Essex.

The opener's edge found James Foster, enhancing his contribution towards the match after top-scoring with 82. But this was to be a rare highlight in an otherwise frustrating day for the hosts as Greg Smith and Eckersley established the first significant partnership of the day worth 98 runs.

Smith was the first Leicestershire batsmen to pass fifty, falling shortly afterwards for 59 providing spinner, Monty Panesar with a much-needed breakthrough at 116-2, but this was to be the final wicket of the day for Essex.

Eckersley's century proved to be a determined effort as he reached three-figures in 275 deliveries, reflecting the steady approach taken by the hosts throughout play yesterday and he continue to dig in despite the removal of Smith.

Leicestershire's innings soon became incredibly frustrating for the hosts, who were unable to find a crucial wicket in the evening session, with Robson earning his second half century of the season to prolong Esse's misery.