Wavell Hinds smashed a brilliant 148 for Derbyshire however they still had to settle for for a draw with Northamptonshire in their LV= County Championship Division Two match.

After the loss of almost a full day’s cricket on Tuesday, a positive result had always looked unlikely on a lifeless Wantage Road pitch.

After declaring on 502 – with a first-innings’ lead of 69 – Northants were able to reach 104-1 before both teams settled for the draw with the hosts taking seven bonus points to Derbyshire’s eight.

Three early Hinds boundaries enabled Derbyshire to claim the fifth batting point at 400. However, he was trapped on the crease just two short of a deserved 150, with umpire Peter Hartley having no hesitation in upholding the appeal as Johan van der Wath’s delivery kept low.

Derbyshire skipper Chris Rogers declared at 502 for nine, when Ian Hunter played on, driving at Lucas. Northants’ bowlers were relieved to finally escape a pitch that offered little assistance, Van der Wath’s extra yard of pace proving the only threat as he finished with figures of 3-97.

With a draw now certain, Nantie Hayward opted to rest a strained knee ahead of Derbyshire’s trip to leaders Gloucestershire at Cheltenham on Sunday.

His absence gave openers Stephen Peters and Ben Howgego a comfortable start as they passed 50 in the 19th over.

Peters looked in prime form following his first innings knock of 175 as he brought up another half century that saw him pass 500 Championship runs for the season.

But it was 21-year-old Howgego, in only his fourth championship game, who had more to prove.

He passed his previous best of 24 shortly after tea, before falling lbw to Smith’s quicker ball for 36.

Rob White was sent out for a meaningless single and the close soon came with Peters unbeaten on 64.