UPTON made their game in hand pay and leap-frogged Evesham to go top of the table after this win.

UPTON 10 pts,REDDITCH 0

Redditch's powerful forwards had been key to narrow league and cup wins over Upton this season but the home side had been buoyed by their win over Bredon.

They began the game with phase after phase inside the Redditch half, a thorough examination for the opposition forwards. Upton's scrum was solid and won an early one against the head.

The Redditch defence was under constant pressure and something had to give. Upton fly-half Mark Tether slipped a tackle and started a sweeping move across the backline, from one side of the pitch to the other, scrum-half Brad Raymond finishing for 5-0.

Upton were relentless in pursuit of a second try. Redditch's one meaningful surge ended in a clearing penalty for the home side in their own half.

The second half followed much the same pattern, until Redditch, on a rare excursion into the Upton half, were awarded a kickable penalty, but it was blazed well wide.

Redditch were prevented from finding rhythm due to the pace at which the Upton forwards were getting to the breakdown and turning over possession, captain Ollie Jones leading by example.

The second try proved elusive. A cruel bounce from winger Richard Mill's sublime kick towards the line placed it straight into the hands of the full-back, who cleared under pressure.

But the reprieve was short-lived, as fly-half Tether again made the decisive break, gaining 60 metres from his own half before being hustled towards touch. He got a pass away to some speedy support in centre Chris O'Neil, who crossed to seal the game at 10-0.

Upton would have wanted more in a tight division where points may count at the end of the season, but were pleased not to concede.

This weekend, Malvern arrive for a friendly before the league campaign resumes away to Handsworth on Saturday, February 11.