OLD Hill skipper Danny Cox couldn’t hide his delight after his side recovered from a worrying start to obtain a winning draw against arch rivals Himley in Birmingham League Division One.

They had a huge Haden Hill crowd of several hundred holding their breath in the closing stages as Himley were prevented from chasing down an Old Hill total of 158 for seven, finding themselves restricted to 144 for eight at close.

The signs didn’t look promising at all for Old Hill when they lost the toss and were instantly inserted to bat on a wicket which gave every assistence to the seam bowlers.

As a result, Old Hill soon found themselves in trouble when reduced to 20 for three before Jimmy Howell and Hamza Ahmed adopted an attacking policy and started turning matters around.

Howell hit 48 while Ahmed added a further 47 and captain Cox said: “It was a great effort in the conditions. What was equally encouraging was the fact both Jimmy and Hamza were following up their good form from the previous game, which bodes well for the future.”

However, the job was only half done as Himley were handed a revised target of 152 to chase from a reduced 28 overs to claim the winning draw following another rain delay.

Although Nigel Davenport picked up five for 58, Himley still looked well on target to achieve that total with India Test player Wasim Jaffer at the crease.

But it was Old Hill seamer Toby Lester that took the plaudits by bowling a maiden off the final over while star player Jaffer was left stranded at the opposite end on 63 not out.

Cox said: “It was a great effort in the conditions.

"Toby was brilliant and just kept bowling yorker after yorker.

Old Hill face Harbourne at Haden Hill this Saturday.will keep faith with the same side when they host another local derby this Saturday at Haden Hill with Harborne the visitors.