Jacques du Toit scored his maiden first-class century as Leicestershire finished day two against Northamptonshire with a total of 527.

The South African, who will qualify for England in October, made 103 before edging behind off Nicky Boje.

Paul Nixon also added runs with an aggressive 79, while Jermaine Lawson hit 35 before coming back out to bowl Northants opener Stephen Peters for 17.

But Niall O'Brien finished on 76 not out to see Northants close on 143-1.

Starting with an overnight total of 288-4, Leicestershire fell to 318-6 before a seventh-wicket stand of 129 in 28 overs between Nixon and Du Toit.

Du Toit's brought up his century with his 16th four but shortly afterwards he was surprised by Bjoe and edged behind.

The same bowler then had Nixon lbw trying to sweep but Lawson blasted four fours and two sixes in a last-wicket stand of 44 with Nadeem Malik.

Lawson's early breakthrough with the total on 49 could have had the visitors on the back foot but O'Brien held firm at the close of play, with 64 of his 76 runs coming from boundaries.