Lee Daggett was the pick of the Northants bowlers as they got their pre-season tour in Barbados underway against Derbyshire at the North Stars Cricket Club.
On day one of a two-day game, Derbyshire batted steadily to post 313 for nine, with pace bowler Daggett finishing with figures of three for 35 from 16 overs.
In all, seven bowlers got to turn their arm over, with new signing Matthew Spriegel claiming two for 22, Olly Stone one for 21, David Willey one for 43 and Con de Lange one for 47.
Northants skipper Stephen Peters won the toss on a warm, cloudy morning.
Billy Godleman and Paul Borrington put on 34 for the first wicket until Daggett made the breakthrough in the 14th over, having Borrington caught behind by Ben Duckett.
The wicket-keeper claimed his second catch shortly afterwards as Stone found the edge of Wes Durston’s bat to reduce the score to 47 for two.
Godleman, playing his first game in Derbyshire colours after moving from Essex, went after lunch for 37, also falling to Daggett.
Left-arm spinner de Lange and Spriegel each claimed their first wickets of the tour but at the other end Chesney Hughes was in sublime form.
The left-hander, who has been for the Leeward Islands during the winter, strode to his century with 18 fours and a six before retiring out on 109.
Dan Redfern made a useful unbeaten 66 but further wickets for Daggett and Spriegel, plus a first of the day for Willey, left honours even at stumps.
Northants batsmen will have the opportunity to spend some time in the middle when the match resumes later today.
Northants bowling figures: David Willey 16-2-43-1; Luke Evans 15-2-59-0; Lee Daggett 16-7-35-3; Oliver Stone 10-3-21-1; James Middlebrook 17-3-71-0; Con de Lange 9-0-47-1; Matthew Spriegel 8-0-22-2