Billy Godleman hit an unbeaten double century to lead the Second XI recovery against Nottinghamshire on Day One of the Championship match at The 3aaa County Ground.
With both teams fielding a handful of first team players, it was the Notts bowling trio of Will Gidman, Harry Gurney and Steven Mullaney who got the better off the early exchanges as they reduced the hosts to 111-7.
But Godleman (203 not out) shared an unbroken ninth-wicket stand of 194 with Tom Taylor (62 not out) to help Derbyshire reach the close on 380-8.
Captain Godleman won the toss and batted first but a cluster of early wickets helped to put the visitors on top.
England international Gurney took 4-55 as he ran through the home side middle order, with only Harvey Hosein (16) and Ben Slater (15) getting starts alongside Godleman.
The skipper reached his century in the afternoon session as he put on a useful partnership of 75 with David Wainwright for the eighth wicket.
Taylor joined Godleman at the crease with the score on 186-8, but the pair flourished for the remainder of Day One as they batted out the final three hours of play.
Godleman reached his double-century late in the day as he batted for over six and a half hours and ended the day unbeaten on 203 off 303 balls, hitting 23 fours and a six, while Taylor faced 154 balls in his gritty knock of 62 not out.
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Derbyshire Falcons are back in action as they take on Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the NatWest T20 Blast on Sunday 5 July at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield.
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