JUST before the Christmas break, Rob Heeley, first team skipper at Upton Rugby Club, assesses the club's performance so far in the North Midlands League One.

He said: "As first team skipper I'm obviously delighted with how things have been going in the past month - four straight league wins is testimony to that. But it is not just the first team that pleases me, but the performances from our second and third team. We are still struggling to get three sides out regularly but when the opportunity arises we are giving as many people as we can a game.

"In the last season and a half, since taking over the captaincy, we have been rebuilding as players have retired or moved on to pastures new. However, using that as an excuse was wearing thin and I'm glad that we are now seeing some success from our perseverance.

"One of the key factors has been the return of fly half, Mark Tether who has played five games this season and we've won them all.

"Despite this though, Mark hasn't hit top form yet, but his return has given more playing options and a different game plan. His willingness to swing the ball wide has enabled Brad Raymond and Nigel Watson to get in the game more and score a hatful of tries.

"In the pack there has also been some plus points. Prop, Melvin Hill has revelled in his role of senior prop since Sean Lancett left for Malvern and Jerry Wheeler is playing a massive role since Matt Bookham broke his jaw.

"However, one of the happiest things to see is open side Ollie Jones playing again after two years following two knee operations and a year long trip to Australia."

Upton have one more league game away at Warley tomorrow (Saturday) and hope to make it five wins in a row before the Christmas break.