Dustin Melton took 4-54 and Mattie McKiernan made an unbeaten 90 as Derbyshire fought back on Day Three of the Second XI friendly against Middlesex at Denby.
McKiernan’s second half-century of the match helped Derbyshire to close on 175-6, trailing by 80 with his fellow half-centurion from the first innings, Hamidullah Qadri also at the crease on nine not out.
Melton claimed four wickets as Middlesex posted 474 in their first innings, with Max Holden smashing 166 before being trapped lbw by Derbyshire’s new signing.
Holden resumed on the third morning with an unbeaten 151 to his name, but he could only add a further 15 runs to his overnight score before Melton dismissed him.
The bowler didn’t take long before he struck again to bowl Luke Hollman for five, before a quickfire double from Hutchinson brought the Middlesex innings to a close, leading by 255.
Derbyshire’s first three wickets fell before the tenth over, as the visitors moved into a commanding position. However, McKiernan would once again stabilise the Derbyshire innings, putting on 74 with Jack Redman for the fourth wicket
Redman fell for 40 when he was caught by Jack Davies off Ethan Bamber, before McKiernan brought up his half-century off 82 balls including six fours.
Qadri and McKiernan put on 24 runs before the close of play, which Derbyshire finished on 175-6, still trailing by 80 heading into the final morning at Denby.
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