A SUNNY winter's afternoon provided the perfect setting for Upton's first league match of 2006.

UPTON 25PTS, BREDON 18PTS

Two tries in each half was enough for them to keep up the pressure at the top of the table.

The first was scored by returning scrum-half Brad Raymond who pounced on a mistake by his opposite number at the base of an early Bredon scrum, deep in their own half, to score near the posts. Hooker Rob Heeley added the conversion to give Upton an early 7-0 lead.

The second try came from yet more Upton pressure, leaving Bredon with no option but to clear lines. Winger Chris O'Neill, gathered the ball and set off infield spreading the ball wide to full-back Alex Pimlow cutting through the Bredon defence before sending over No 8 Luke Matthews to score. Another successful conversion from Rob Heeley left the partisan spectators expecting a big score. Upton seemed to go into their shells for the rest of the half, giving away several penalties, allowing Bredon to close the gap to 14-9 at the break.

The second-half saw Bredon add another three points before a dazzling break by Luke Matthews. Starting inside his own half, he took play right up to the Bredon try line looking like he would go all the way, only for a covering defender to tackle him only feet from the line. Matthews managed to get the ball away for the supporting Brad Raymond to cross for his second score of the afternoon. Heeley continued his good form with his third successful conversion.

Bredon kicked two more penalties, reducing the deficit to 6 points with 20 minutes to go.

Bredon only really threatened the line on one occasion when their full-back, broke the Upton defence, only to be brilliantly stopped short of the line.

Upton added some fresh legs towards the end the game as the home side turned the screw and the remainder of the game was spent in the Bredon half.

Upton sealed the game near the end with a solo effort from full-back Alex Pimlow, who caught a loose Bredon clearance and left the defence in tatters to score in the corner. Rob Heeley capped a good game by slotting over a difficult conversion from the touch-line to make it 28-15.

Upton play another league game tomorrow (Saturday), at home against Redditch, which is sure to be a tough encounter.