UPTON travelled to play high-flying league opponents at Stourbridge, one of those professional/semi-professional clubs that have re-developed an amateur section that is known as Stourbridge Lions.

STOURBRIDGE LIONS 23PTS, UPTON 7PTS

They have gained promotion each year since joining the leagues with an unbeaten record but Upton took that record at the start of the season with a narrow victory. Stourbridge have continued to be at the top and are in the promotion hunt again.

Still being unable to keep a settled team through injuries and non availability, Upton played uphill first and within 20 minutes were 10 points down through a converted try after a catch and drive at a line-out and then a penalty.

The penalty count was high for both teams throughout the match as the match official seemed to have little empathy for the game.

Upton have had some good referees provided by the North Midlands Society but occasionally an exchange referee from another area takes charge. Both teams had difficulty understanding some rulings for what was going to be hard match with two teams at the top end of league. At least the referee was consistent.

Some basic errors were Upton's undoing and only good defensive work on a number of times kept the Lions out. However before half-time Upton conceded another penalty and converted try to leave the score at 20-0.

The second-half was won by Upton who attacked with more gusto and play stayed almost entirely in the Lions 'den'. The ref did award another penalty to the Lions just after the restart but then awarded a penalty try to Upton which Rob Heeley converted, after Stourbridge had illegally pulled down the maul as Upton drove for the line, to make it 23-7.

Upton came close on other occasions only for the rub of the green to go against them. Despite the ferocity with the match was played it was pleasing to see opponents shaking hands and putting arms around each other in mutual admiration.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Upton entertain old rivals Bromyard in a friendly match before taking on Kings Norton at home on March 12 for Upton's final home league match of the season. With Kings Norton going for promotion it promises to be lively game