WORCESTER Warriors may have been playing in the South of France but it was more like the 'Costa del Upton' on the local sports field compared to the conditions last weekend.

UPTON 15pts, REDDITCH 22pts

Despite the rain and floods on the pitch over the last week the pitch was in perfect condition and the sun even shone.

Upton received from the kick off but quickly moved into the Redditch half only to be sent back a penalty kick. This was to be the pattern all through the game as Upton would make progress only to be adjudged to have committed various offences. The boot of Redditch's Will Wilson made Upton pay dearly with either long clearance kicks downfield or slotting the ball between the posts.

After 20 minutes Wilson had kicked three penalties for Redditch but on 25 minutes Ali Drury got Upton under way with a penalty. Upton were now getting their act together and testing Redditch with a series of forward drives and swift passing in the backs and just before half time Upton took the lead.

Upton stole the ball in a line-out and the forwards drove it on to the halfway line. The ball was quickly recycled and spun wide to centre Alex Pimplow. Redditch missed the tackle and Pimlow was away on a 50 metre curving run to out-sprint the covering defenders to score under the posts. Drury converted to give a half time score of 10-9.

The start of the second half was a disaster for Upton and proved to be the killer blow against them. A long speculative kick downfield towards the corner from half way saw the ball deceive two Upton defenders as it took a wicked deflection on hitting the ground ten metres out. Redditch winger Neil Hodgkins was then able to gather and stroll in for a try which Wilson converted for 10-16.

Upton came storming back but once again were pushed back by a number of penalties all seemingly going the 'wrong way' and Wilson kicked two more penalties 10-22.

During the last 15 minutes Upton's pack continued to dominated their opposition in all phases of set scrums, rolling mauls and rucks so much so that twice Upton got over the try line through Matt Bookham and Barry Lancett only for a ruling of 'held up' or 'couldn't see the ball' to deprive Upton the points.

Unperturbed Upton persevered, kept the ball alive and right on the final whistle Mel Hill powered his way over to give a final score of 15-22.

Before the match, only 18 points had been conceded by Redditch in five matches as they sit at the top of the table. Despite scoring two tries to one, Upton's penalty count was their undoing.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Ludlow visit Upton in the third round of the national Powergen Junior Vase KO cup competition. Upton hope to have better luck in order to proceed.