Tony Palladino took four wickets to set up a thrilling finish to the final day at The 3aaa County Ground, but Leicestershire stood firm as the match ended in a draw.
Derbyshire declared overnight on 286-8, leaving Leicestershire 347 to win from 96 overs. Tony Palladino (4-67) took two early wickets but Mark Cosgrove (110) and Paul Horton (61) out on 115 for the third wicket.
Will Davis (2-43) and Callum Parkinson (2-76) took quick wickets in the final session to set up a tense finish, but Rob Sayer (32*) and Richard Jones (19*) stuck in for the final 23 overs to claim a draw for Leicestershire.
Chasing 347 for victory, Leicestershire started poorly when Palladino had Angus Robson caught down the leg-side without scoring in the first over.
Palladino struck again in his next over, debutant Harry Dearden (2) edging to Madsen at first slip who took a sharp catch, to leave the visitors in trouble at 7-2.
Leicestershire captain Mark Cosgrove put on 115 for the third wicket with Paul Horton who reached his half century, before Palladino took his and Derbyshire’s third wicket, trapping the opener lbw for 61.
Cosgrove this time frustrated Derbyshire, as he had in the first innings during his knock of 95 not out, with Neil Dexter (26) who eventually perished to Palladino’s line and length, leaving Leicestershire 200-4.
Cosgrove reached a fine hundred from 179 balls but was finally out to Derbyshire’s relief as he drove a full Parkinson delivery straight to Billy Godleman at mid-off.
Derbyshire were on a roll when Pettini (1) and McKay (0) soon followed to the bowling of Parkinson and Davis respectively, and Leicestershire were stuttering at 241-7, with still another 26 overs to bat.
Ned Eckersley was the next to fall to Derbyshire’s procession of wickets, he was caught down the legside of Davis for 20, giving Derbyshire 23.5 overs to take the final two Leicestershire wickets.
However, Rob Sayer and the injured Richard Jones, who had Robson out in the middle as a runner, applied themselves and provided resistance which Derbyshire were unable to break.
The pair put on 59 for the ninth wicket and helped Leicestershire earn a draw, despite the probing bowling from Derbyshire’s seam attack.
