AFTER resting their limbs last week when Harbourne withdrew from the NMids Shield, Upton travelled north-west into Shropshire on Saturday in an effort to kick start their North Midlands One league season.

BISHOPS CASTLE 13 pts, UPTON 18 pts

Having only lost by one score on three previous outings, skipper Rob Heeley and the squad knew that Upton were not too far off the mark. Bishops Castle has a pitch on which it is traditionally never easy to play as it takes time to adjust to its narrowness and long grass.

Tradition was maintained early on as Bishops Castle used their superior forward power in the scrums and mauls to work the ball upfield and then release the ball for the centres to test the stretched defence.

This tactic was successful twice as centre Price scored two unconverted tries. Upton gradually found their stride and the backs put together several good combinations only to be halted by Castle's illegal tactics that resulted in penalties, one of which Heeley converted leaving the half time score at 10-3

Upton started the second half with confidence growing every minute and with Mark Tether getting to grips with the moves on his return to the squad, the backs started to construct dangerous situations. Heeley kicked another penalty for 10-6 as Castle were unable to live with the pressure.

From the restart Upton were caught offside however and Castle restored their 10-point lead with the penalty.

Upton built on their control in the lineout where Matt Bookham continued to soar, the ever youthful Maurice Bottomley harassed the scrum half and with flanker 'Arnie' Atkinson putting out the fire in the Castle's backs, it was only a matter of time before the thrustful running of centre Brad Raymond would pay dividends. Raymond burst through three tackles to score the touch down and Heeley converted to tie up the scores 13-all with 15 minutes left.

Castle then seemed content to defend and record their third league draw of the season and on the narrow pitch defending was easy.

On the other hand Upton were more ambitious and continued to use the threat of their powerful and improving back division. These positive attitudes paid off with the winning points coming when the back row were quickest to the breakdown, Nick Bennett and Ben Penson recycled the ball and after several quick passes, winger Nigel Watson raced away to cross the line in the final move of the match to win it 13-18.

Another perfect 'Houdini' act - good for the team but not for their supporters!

With bottom of the North Midlands One table Warley visiting tomorrow (Saturday), Upton hope for continued improving results.