Ben Slater and Billy Godleman shared a 141-run opening stand, before Hashim Amla hit his first half-century for the county on Day One against Lancashire at Southport & Birkdale Cricket Club.
Slater and stand-in Captain Godleman both hit fifty to help their side dominate the morning session, before South Africa batsman Amla struck his maiden half-century in a Derbyshire shirt during the afternoon session.
The hosts, however, battled back in the evening to claim six wickets, with Tom Bailey and Kyle Jarvis claiming three wickets apiece in the day, but Derbyshire ended the opening day in a strong position on 335-9.
Graeme Welch made two changes from the draw against Northamptonshire last time out, as Godleman and David Wainwright replaced Wayne Madsen, who misses out through injury, and Ben Cotton.
After winning the toss, the openers batted throughout the morning session to take their side to 129-0, with both batsmen passing fifty.
Left-handed batsman Slater was first to the milestone off 61 balls, including seven fours, to complete his fourth half-century off the campaign. Godleman, making his return from suspension, reached his fifty off 88 balls, with seven fours.
Both, however, fell in quick succession after lunch, with Slater hitting 69 and Godleman 75.
The dismissals didn’t slow the visitors’ progress as new men Amla and Hughes maintained the early momentum adding 83, before Hughes fell in the penultimate over of the session for 37, with Derbyshire 240-3 at tea.
Two more wickets fell in quick successful shortly after the restart, but Amla remained resolute to complete his first half-century in a Derbyshire shirt. The South Africa batsman, however, fell shortly before stumps for 69 as the hosts battled back.
Lancashire claimed six wickets in the final session, with Bailey (3-73) and Jarvis (3-110) the pick of the bowlers claiming three each in the day, as Derbyshire ended the day on 335-9.
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Photography: David Griffin
Derbyshire return to The 3aaa County Ground on Friday for their first home NatWest T20 Blast fixture versus Lancashire Lightning; 7pm start.
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