The Derbyshire lower-order resisted an onslaught from England paceman Mark Wood to secure a draw on the final day versus Durham at The 3aaa County Ground.
Wood claimed career-best figures of 6-46 to give Durham a chance for victory after Derbyshire slipped to 185-6 with a lead below 100. But knocks from Daryn Smit (34), Tony Palladino (26 not out) and Ravi Rampaul (18 not out) ensured the fixture would end as a draw.
Derbyshire take 10 points to stay fourth in Specsavers County Championship Division Two on 46 points, whilst Durham take 11 points.
Taking the ball for the first over of the day, Wood began a hostile opening spell which resulted in Luis Reece dragging on for 12, with the score 33-1. The England quick then had Wayne Madsen caught on 32, fending a short delivery, before Ben Slater (42) was caught in close to round off a good spell for Durham.
Alex Hughes made 17 and Billy Godleman added 25, but both fell after making starts to keep the pressure on the hosts. Matt Critchley made a brisk 40 off 60 balls, including six fours, but he fell with the score 185-6 with Derbyshire’s lead under 100.
At this point the rear-guard action started with Smit, whose focus was to keep building the lead whilst soaking up overs, in partnership with Palladino.
The experienced pair added 23 in 12 overs as Derbyshire edged closer to securing the draw, before Smit’s stubborn innings was brought to an end by the fluent Wood.
Duanne Olivier departed without scoring and became Wood’s sixth wicket, but Rampaul stayed with Palladino as Derbyshire past 250.
They moved onto 279-9, at which point both sides shook hands on what was an inevitable draw after resolute lower-order batting from Derbyshire.
Derbyshire now turn their attention to the Royal London One-Day Cup, and begin a run of eight group stage matches with the trip to Warwickshire on Thursday 17 May.
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