DERBYSHIRE got through the afternoon session at Chester-le-Street for the loss of one wicket to reach 217 for three, still trailing by 99.
Left-handed opener Luis Reece progressed steadily to 84, despite hitting a lot of pleasant strokes straight to fielders, while Wayne Madsen fell just before the break for 48.
The stand of 106 ended when he tried to sweep leg-spinner Cameron Steel's third ball and was caught behind by Michael Richardson.
Durham resorted to getting 18-year-old Matthew Potts to bowl short and he gave Reece a rare moment of discomfort when he struck him on the helmet.
The former Lancashire player took 104 balls to reach 50 and continued to accumulate patiently.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here