A gritty innings from Lloyd Brock helped Great & Little Tew hold on for a draw at home to struggling Cove in their Serious Cricket Home Counties Premier League Division 2 West clash on Saturday.

Cove were inserted and lost an early wicket when Ed Smith was caught behind off leftarmer Liam Manley.

But they counter-attacked and had reached 70-1 from 15 overs when Ian Bryan was introduced to the attack.

His excellent spell into the wind provided the control that Tew needed.

Bryan, who finished with figures of 4-52, took the key wicket of Trent Keep for 61 from 76 balls, and received good back-up from Andy Harris (4-37) as the home side worked their way through the Cove order to bowl them out for 189.

Tew’s reply was disastrous, losing Harry Smith, Joe White and Curtly Slatter with just five runs on the board.

Ashley Hubbert and Ed Gross then departed to leave Tew on 58-5.

But Lloyd Brock and Robbie Catling steadied the ship by putting on 42 for the sixth wicket.

And Brock continued to hold firm after Catling had been dismissed, finishing unbeaten on 42 from 89 balls as Tew ended on 126-7.

Cove 12pts, Geat & Little Tew 9.