UPTON Rugby Club are looking to enter the new year in the same fashion as they left the last year, on a winning note.

However, the weather has recently started to cause problems, particularly for the first team. It is not the normal Upton problem, namely floods, but the cold snap that settled over Britain during the Christmas period.

Rob Heeley, Upton first XV captain said: "Two cancellations either side of the new year and a limited training programme have slowed downed the first XV's progress, which was continuing on an upward curve.

"This break could have both positive and negative effects on the side. On the one hand the break, we haven't played since December 9, would have allowed certain players like Ben Penson and Nick Bennett to fully recover from niggling injuries. However, the month long lay off may lead to some lowering of fitness levels and our basic core skills. Training will need to focus on these areas this week in preparation for the weekend's game."

Tomorrow (Saturday) sees Bishops Castle visit Collinghurst Meadow and Upton are expecting another hard game.

Heeley said: "Our visit to them was the start of our upturn in results. Travelling for an hour and a half, and then playing on a very narrow pitch against a strong rural side is not easy, but the lads pulled off a magnificent win, even if it was with the last play of the game. Hopefully our larger pitch will enable us to spray the ball wide and use our exciting backs.

"This game sees the start of a four-week run of league games and we must look for at least a 50/50 return. The players and I know that these fixtures offer us a strong opportunity for maximum points.

"At present the club is looking very rosy, despite the ever-increasing injury list. Our second team captain, Dai Hodges needs a special mention as he maintains a strong second team squad, which includes at least six or seven players really pushing for first team places.

"Hopefully the competition will drive on the current first team to continued success this weekend."