How will traditionally non-cyclical (defensive) stocks fare in a recession?

I'm referring to Income funds, and stocks such as utilities and tobaccos.

Obviously they will do better than housing and cyclical stocks, but how much better?

Will they drop, rise or remain steady?

Is it better to sell defensive stocks and keep the capital as cash risking the ravages of inflation?

(Don't just say gold, gold, gold - I already have some as gold)

At times they will do all three. The real question is market timing. Commiting some early and keeping a war chest for the panic selling may be one way to go.