UPTON'S first XV have seen a massive upturn in performance since these last two sides met in early November at Bishops Castle.

UPTON 16pts, BISHOPS CASTLE 19pts

Although that day they lost 21-24, the performance showed that despite a win Upton were good enough to compete in this league.

Both teams rely on a forwards-based game and the conditions certainly allowed that; inevitably it was a close first half. Bishops shaded it as they played with a strong wind behind them and led at half time 9-3 with three penalty goals by their number 10 against one drop goal from Rob Heeley.

Turning round in the second half, Upton struggled to use the wind to their advantage and gave away sloppy penalties. This resulted in Castle kicking two more penalties to lead 12-6.

However Upton, started to come good in the last 20. First Heeley narrowed the margin with another drop goal and then with a penalty to make it 12-9. Then the impressive forwards of Jones, Lancett and Bookham drove at the heart of Castle but the ball was spilled and Castle kicked the ball 90 metres up field and scored a converted try.

Upton did not lie down from a quick tap penalty number eight Rob Wynn set up quick ruck ball and open side Oli Jones powered his way through three tacklers to score. Heeley converted for 16-19.

Upton then charged but Castle defended magnificently and bundled them into touch which saw the referee end the game.