Michael Lumb’s career-best 221 not out brightened a rain-affected final day of Nottinghamshire’s LV= County Championship Division One draw with Derbyshire.
Despite optimism from both camps that a positive outcome could be achieved, the captains’ failure to agree on a suitable run-chase ensured that a draw was inevitable with a steady accumulation of bonus points the sole focus of the final day.
The main benefactor was in-form left-hander Lumb as Notts eventually closed their first innings on 436 for eight declared.
A decent surface and some indifferent bowling allowed 148 runs to materialise during the morning session, Lumb and Luke Fletcher prospering in favourable conditions.
Lumb, having hit a third century in just eight innings the previous evening, powered on to pass his previous best of 219 not out, ironically made on the same ground for Hampshire against Notts in 2009.
Fletcher, his overnight batting partner, also made the most of his rare elevation up the order.
Having scored 92 in just his fifth first-class match four years ago, he had not passed 50 since. Sensing his own opportunity to impress, Fletcher allowed Derbyshire's quick bowlers to burn themselves out with a barrage of short-pitched stuff before putting bat to ball with a real sense of purpose.
Tim Groenewald was hit for four boundaries in five balls and - although Wayne Madsen failed to hold a difficult chance at midwicket off Wes Durston, when Fletcher was on 33 - it was difficult to believe the 24-year old had only arrived in the middle as a nightwatchman.
The ovation for Lumb's 150 had barely died down before a thunderous roar greeted Fletcher's half-century; the 6ft 6ins bowler celebrated in style by pulling David Wainwright high into the leg-side stand - which was followed with a one-bounce four in the same direction.
A successful lbw decision, awarded in favour of Durston, ended Fletcher's stay at 64 and broke a partnership of 123 for the fourth wicket.
The day deteriorated into a succession of short pockets of play in between the heavy thunderstorms but Lumb's powers of concentration were eventually rewarded as he reached his double hundred after tea and then pulled Mark Footitt for a first six, to add to his 28 fours, as he celebrated his latest milestone.
Nottinghamshire remain fifth after taking 11 points from the contest, while Derbyshire's nine do little to improve their position at the bottom of the table.