Wayne Madsen fell just three runs short of his second century of the season but a mixture of rain and snow cut short an entertaining third day at The 3aaa County Ground.
Madsen shared a century stand to start the day with Ben Slater, who hit 62, before sharing a quick-fire half-century partnership with Wes Durston, who scored 43 from just 56 deliveries.
There was a large rain delay from 3.30pm until 6.00pm, after which Tom Poynton (30*) and Andy Carter (31*) managed to get Derbyshire up to and beyond 300 to reach stumps on 331-9, trailing by 46.
Derbyshire’s overnight pair of Madsen and Slater looked relatively untroubled throughout the morning session, both reaching their half-centuries. Slater’s first of the campaign came from 110 balls whilst Madsen’s followed shortly after from just 87.
The pair reached a hundred partnership but Slater was out lbw to Andrew Salter soon afterward, having scored 62. Neil Broom came in at five but was bowled attempting a leave by Timm van der Gugten for four.
That brought Durston to the crease, who, either side of the lunch interval, batted aggressively to ensure his side passed 200 and reach a first batting bonus point in good time.
He was to fall when he attempted another expansive shot, only to be caught behind for 43 from 56 balls before his replacement, Matt Critchley, was caught in the slips off spinner Salter for five.
Madsen had looked relatively untroubled throughout the entire day up until the point that he was deceived by a floated delivery from Salter to be bowled for 97.
Derbyshire were also to lose Tony Palladino without scoring before the rain, sleet and snow brought about an early tea with the score on 274-8.
The adverse weather conditions meant that no play was possible between 3.30pm and 6.00pm but the players managed to get back out for an entertaining last few overs.
Despite losing Luke Fletcher for six, Derbyshire were able to secure a third batting bonus point thanks to Poynton and Carter. The pair batted well to create an unbroken 42-run partnership at the close when Derbyshire were 331-9, trailing by 48.
Poynton will begin Day Four on 30 not out, whilst Carter is unbeaten on 31 – his highest score in first-class cricket.
Click HERE to view scorecard.
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