UPTON saw off Stourbridge Lions 27-18 in a pulsating North Midlands Shield round one clash.

The Lions have worked their way up through the leagues and currently play at a level above Midlands Four West (South) outfit Upton.

The home side were not bowing to anyone, though, and showed there is strength in the squad as five regulars were unavailable.

Straight from the kick-off, Upton received the ball and made progress down the blindside before Stourbridge strayed off-side, allowing Dan Keyte to slot a penalty. Tom Millen soon pulled the visitors back level though.

Upton then won the ball against the head, Oli Banwell picked up from the base and made 20 metres before passing to Oli Jones who found Luke Mathie to be driven over. Keyte converted.

After 35 minutes, the Lions decided to run a penalty, but dropped the ball. Upton speedster Alex Pimlow pounced, out-paced several would-be tacklers and rounded the full-back to score under the posts.

Keyte added the extras to make it 17-3, but Stourbridge hit back with a penalty before the break.

After the interval, Upton continued to press and prop Shaun Lancett bagged a try from a catch-and-drive line-out.

Stourbridge then put Upton under immense pressure and were awarded a penalty try, which was converted.

With 20 minutes to go, replacement John Gammond put pressure on the visitors’ defence after a cross-kick and the ball spilled loose to Pimlow, who gathered and went over for his second try to all put the game allbut out of reach at 27-13.

To their credit Stourbridge did not give up and scored another try but Upton held on for an impressive win.

Upton now play Oswestry at home in round two, but first return to league action when they take on third-placed Bedworth on Saturday.