Will Davis top-scored with 99 and Matt McKiernan retired not out on 84 as Derbyshire closed on 300-7 in the Second XI Championship match versus Durham.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Derbyshire slipped to 88-5, before McKiernan and Davis rallied to leave Derbyshire in control after the opening day at Burnopfield CC.
Gavin Main removed the captain James Kettleborough (4) early and Anuj Dal made 17, while Tom Wood hit 31, but two wickets for Benny McCarthy slowed Derbyshire’s progress.
Seven down and Davis joined leg-spinning all-rounder McKiernan at the crease and the pair set about rebuilding the innings and turning the day’s play on its head to put Derbyshire in a commanding position.
Davis struck 16 fours in his 99, while McKiernan hit six fours and one six as Derbyshire past 250.
Closing on 300-7, Derbyshire head into Day Two in a commanding position, aiming to score quickly with three wickets remaining.
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