AS Upton travelled up the M5 and M42 to tackle second-placed Kings Norton, various weather conditions were met, hail, rain, wind and bright sun, a real spring day after the snow 24 hours earlier.

KINGS NORTON 10pts, UPTON 3pts

Upton kicked off up the slight slope but against the strong wind. Upton drove for the line but were 'held up' and from the resultant scrum Kings Norton scrambled the ball clear. The ferocity of Upton's early play obviously upset Norton's plan and several of their players had to have rests for water to be poured onto injuries so trying to disrupt Upton's momentum.

Upton maintained the pressure and Norton were forced to resort to some underhand methods to slow Upton's progress. Gradually Norton used the wind and a strong running left winger to work their way close to Upton's line. Upton's defence held out for several phases but when Norton switched play by moving the ball along their backs centre Ford cut through to score and unconverted try after 15 minutes.

Upton were back on the attack straight away but could not break through and within five minutes Norton had increased their lead with another unconverted try when lock Gordan was driven over following a long kick and chase down field for 10-0.

Upton were getting frustrated as they were being thwarted in their efforts to get the ball out by opponents illegally blocking. Unfortunately the match official did not appreciate Hill's attempt to remove the blocking bodies and promptly issued an early shower for the prop. Despite having to re-organise the scrum Upton adjusted well and held out for the rest of the half.

With the wind and slope advantage Upton had an easier time despite being a man down and indeed they looked the more likely to score. All Upton's players tackled like demons to deny Kings Norton any further score. On 55 minutes skipper Rob Heeley kicked a long range penalty to narrow the difference to 10-3.

This score was a boost for Upton but also a real thorn in the flesh for Kings Norton who were trying to use the wrong tactics and it was their turn to get frustrated at not being able to score despite their numerical advantage. This frustration built up and resulted in another early shower for Norton's left winger after an altercation right in front the referee.

With numbers now even it was Norton's turn to be put under pressure and they were only too pleased to hear the final whistle having been pinned on their line the last five minutes as Upton came close to at least sharing the points.

Upton's next league game on April 3 is against Cleobury so as much support as possible is needed.