DETERMINED Danny Cox still believes his Old Hill players can keep clear of relegation this season.

The Haden Hill side still remain in Birmingham League Division One's drop zone.

But they showed plenty of fighting spirit to stave off defeat against top of the table Smethwick last week.

Set a daunting target of 280 for five to chase, Old Hill looked in real danger of collapse as they immediately slumped to 11 for three in reply.

However, a steely resolve saw them recover to reach 186 for six at close.

Cox claimed: "It was always going to be a difficult total to chase, especially after we went to 11 for three. We had to dig in, but we didn't just try to block it out."

Dogged Cox led by example and faced 143 balls before finally falling for 48.

Together with brother Billy-Jo Cox, they took the score to 91 for four.

Danny Cox was then joined at the wicket by Tom Elwell who stayed to the end making an unbeaten 50 not out.

That was after Old Hill had lost key batsmen Jimmy Howell, Monil Patel and Hamza Ahmed in quick succession as they struggled against a Smethwick attack spearheaded by former Warwickshire quick bowler Naqaash Tahir.

In total, Smethwick used eight bowlers in their efforts to prise Old Hill out.

Earlier in the day, Smethwick's total had been built around another former Warwickshire player Mo Sheikh who struck exactly 100 while their Indian overseas IPL player Amitoze Singh struck 114.

Despite holding out for the draw, Old Hill remain second from bottom, some 22 points adrift of safety behind third from bottom Bromsgrove.

The prospects don't get any easier either as Old Hill travel to their star-studded local rivals Himley on Saturday.

The hosts are skippered by former Leicestershire and Worcestershire star Ben Smith and look likely to have use of current Worcestershire player Tom Kohler-Cadmore as well

Cox confirmed: "It's a local derby so I don't think the players will need any motivation for this one.

"We've been playing some really good stuff recently but the reward hasn't been there. However I still believe we have enough ammunition to remain safe.

"We'll be at full strength for Himley and I'm certain we'll take plenty of support as well."