FOURTH-placed Cleobury Mortimer's North Midlands One season slipped away with a 27-13 home defeat to mid-table Upton.

An almost full squad was determined to finish with a win but Upton, bidding to put a disappointing campaign behind them, arrived with other ideas.

The Worcestershire side boasted an aggressive pack and well-drilled backs, while Cleobury seemed to leave their determination on the sidelines.

Playing down the slope, an early converted Upton breakaway try settled the visitors' nerves though Colin Smith replied with two penalties.

The crowd were expecting a home display of passion and power but their opponents dominated the line-outs and much of the loose play.

An Upton penalty increased their advantage and was followed quickly by a second converted try for a 17-6 lead at half-time.

A few mild words of encouragement from coach Ian Smith appeared to have done the trick as Ian King crossed for a try and a Colin Smith conversion brought the scores closer.

But this again failed to spark a response with Upton managing another penalty and a third converted try near the end to clinch victory.