The three-day fixture between Derbyshire and Durham MCCU at The 3aaa County Ground ended in a draw after a hard-fought final day.
Beginning the day on 96-3, the visitors managed to score 287 from their first innings thanks in no small part to Charlie MacDonell who hit 109.
That meant Derbyshire took a 109-run lead into their second innings but the hosts only faced 3.3 overs before the Captains shook hands on a draw.
In bright and sunny conditions, MacDonell and overnight partner Ed Pollock frustrated the Derbyshire seamers early on but Tom Milnes managed to grab the first wicket of the day when he bowled the latter for 30.
After lunch, two quick wickets put Derbyshire back into the ascendancy. First, Shiv Thakor enticed the edge of Robert Gibson on 34 before Wes Durston had Will Phillips caught at first slip for one.
After the success of Durston’s spin, the hosts persisted with spin from both ends in the form of Wayne Madsen and Chesney Hughes, and it was Madsen who got the next breakthrough when he trapped Seb Stewart-Taylor in front for eight.
Despite losing several batting partners, MacDonell continued to defy the Derbyshire attack and reached a well-made century from 193 balls. He was, however, to fall soon after when he was deemed lbw to Tom Taylor having scored 109.
The final wicket to fall for Durham MCCU was to Tony Palladino. Batsman Tim Alexander decided to leave a ball that went on to take his off stump out of the ground after he had scored two.
Durham MCCU were eventually all out for 287 when Jonathan Dewes was forced to retire hurt having been hit by a Milnes bouncer.
There were still 80 minutes left in the day’s play and Hughes and Neil Broom came out to bat for Derbyshire who held a 109-run lead from the first innings.
Only 3.3 overs were bowled in the second innings before both Captains shook hands on a draw.
Derbyshire begin their Specsavers County Championship campaign this Sunday when they travel to Bristol to face Gloucestershire.
Click HERE to view scorecard.
Derbyshire CCC Membership for 2016 is on sale. Purchase online at derbyshireccc.com, in person at The 3aaa County Ground or by calling 0871 350 1870.
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