Skipper Boeta Dippenaar's second LV County Championship century of the summer helped Leicestershire secure a draw against promotion hopefuls Essex at Chelmsford.

He batted throughout the day to gather an unbeaten 115 as his side finished on 258 for six after they had followed on 173 behind on the previous day.

Dippenaar, who was dismissed without scoring in the first innings, resisted for just over six hours and 283 deliveries in taking Leicestershire to safety.

His marathon effort brought him 14 boundaries, most of them during a fifth-wicket partnership of 129 with 19-year-old James Taylor, who again put together an impressive innings.

Following his unbeaten 112 in the first innings, the youngster added 62, containing nine boundaries, during which he completed 1,000 Championship runs for the summer.

He was finally undone leg before by leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who gained a similar verdict to remove Tom New. But no-one could disturb the concentration of the admirable Dippenaar.

Earlier in the day, Essex were frustrated by night watchman Jigar Naik, who stayed with his captain for an hour and three quarters in the morning after Leicestershire had resumed on 42 for two.

His resolution helped to put together a partnership of 54 in 28 overs before he lost patience and drove left-arm spinner Tim Phillips into the hands of Kaneria at mid-off.

When Kaneria then struck in the next over by bowling Josh Cobb with a delivery that turned sharply, the visitors were still 84 behind and Essex must have sensed victory.

But Dippenaar and Taylor had other ideas, although Essex did give them a big helping hand when Alastair Cook put down Dippenaar at slip off Phillips when he had just 39 against his name.

It was a rare false stroke by the Leicestershire skipper, whose unwavering concentration was a feature of his display.

Kaneria took four for 87 in the second innings to end with match figures of 12 for 203 from 86.3 overs on a final day that left umpire Vanburn Holder nursing a sore back.

He was struck by David Master's throw from deep square leg just before lunch and failed to put in an appearance until half an hour after the interval.

Following an appeal, a qualified umpire stepped in as a replacement before Holder reappeared, but it was not long before he left the field for further treatment.

Essex had to settle for 11 points from their endeavours, while Leicestershire were no doubt happy to emerge with nine.