A partnership of 145 between Billy Godleman and Wes Durston – in addition to three late wickets – meant that Derbyshire edged the second day versus Lancashire at The 3aaa County Ground.
Having taken the final two Lancashire wickets for just a single, Derbyshire bowled their visitors out for 293 on the morning of Day Two of the LV= County Championship fixture at The 3aaa County Ground.
In reply, Durston scored a rapid 85 alongside Godleman – who struck 76 – as Derbyshire recovered from 26-3 to post 274; handing Lancashire a slender first-inning lead of 19.
This left enough time for some late drama as the hosts claimed three wicket in the final 11 overs of the day – including the two Lancashire openers – to swing the match back in favour of Derbyshire, with Lancashire 36-3, and set up an intriguing last two days.
Tom Taylor finished off the remaining two Lancashire wickets in the third over of the day to ensure Lancashire did not gain a third batting bonus point and were bowled out for 293. The visitors had lost their last four wickets for just one run.
Three Derbyshire batsmen went early on in reply, but Durston and Godleman steadied the ship for Graeme Welch’s men sharing a brilliant 145-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Durston finally fell for a well-made 85 off 102 deliveries, which included 12 fours. Godleman continued to bat well but fell but tea when he edged Kyle Jarvis behind for 76 off 131 balls, including 10 fours.
Alex Hughes and Harvey Hosein added important late runs for Derbyshire, scoring 37 and 33 respectively, but the hosts were out for 274 when Tony Palladino (16) and Mark Footitt (2) fell within four balls.
Given 11 overs to bowl at Lancashire in the final hour of the day, Footitt and Tom Taylor removed both Lancashire openers in successive balls as Derbyshire seized back control of the game.
Peter Siddle was sent in as night-watchman, but he didn’t last long as he attempted an expansive drive to Taylor and was caught at slip by Wayne Madsen for five.
At the close of play, Lancashire were 36-3 with a lead of 55 with the match finely-poised with two days remaining.
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