Hamish Rutherford scored his first century for Derbyshire during a dogged and determined batting display that saw the hosts earn a draw at Queen’s Park.
The New Zealander shared a century stand with his captain Wayne Madsen as the pair wiped out the first innings deficit and begun to build a lead that caused the two captains to shake hands on a battling draw.
Having begun the day unbeaten on 15 with his side trailing by 121 runs, Rutherford batted resolutely to get to his second half-century for the club before pushing on to a century from 229 balls with three sixes.
Rutherford was out for 108 just after the tea interval but Madsen continued to bat on and was 79 not out alongside Wes Durston on 32 not out by the time that the draw was agreed.
Billy Godleman continued to look solid for Derbyshire early on, after batting well the earlier night to hold off a fired-up Glamorgan attack, but fell when Andrew Salter found turn from the Lake End to trap him lbw for 28.
Salter also had further reward soon after when Chesney Hughes fell in similar circumstances for three to bring Madsen to the crease.
Madsen and Rutherford played defensively at first to eradicate any threat of defeat but both demonstrated their abilities with some fine driving amongst some stubborn blocks.
Once Rutherford reached his half-century from 160 balls, he begun to play some more strokes whilst Madsen backed him up well from the other end.
By the time Derbyshire were 158-2, the first innings deficit had been wiped out for the loss of just two wickets before Rutherford and Madsen moved onto a vital century partnership.
Rutherford moved from 88 to his first Derbyshire century in two clean strikes back over the bowler’s head, having gone from 50 to 100 in only 69 balls.
Derbyshire went through the entire afternoon session without losing a wicket but Rutherford was eventually out in the first over after tea when Lloyd had him lbw for 108.
The loss of his partner did not faze Madsen as he moved on to his third half-century of the campaign, cracking a four through cover with the 116th ball of his obstinate innings.
Wes Durston came in at number five for Graeme Welch’s men and attacked the tiring Glamorgan attack from the off.
At the close, Durston had scored 32 from 39 balls whilst Madsen was 79 not out in Derbyshire’s 281-3.
Click here to view scorecard>>
The Autoworld Volvo XC90 Chesterfield Festival of Cricket, in association with Chesterfield Borough Council concludes this Sunday with the visit of neighbouring Yorkshire. The game is heading for a sell-out so book now to avoid disappointment!
[ticketbuttons]
