FRESH from moving up to the business end of Midlands Four West (South) after being awarded the points from the September match with Southam, Upton suffered a 17-12 home defeat to Bedworth.

Back in September, Southam won the game 12-6, however, the match ended with uncontested scrums as Upton’s opponents couldn’t replace an injured prop.

The lack of front-row cover on the bench ultimately ended up with the points being awarded to Upton on the eve of the Bedworth match.

Unfortunately for Upton, they weren’t able to build on the bonus points, slipping to a home defeat as Bedworth showed greater maturity.

Upton took an early lead when Chris O’Neil finished a length-of-the-field move and Dan Keyte converted. However, fly-half Keyte injured himself taking the kick and had to leave the field.

From that point on, Upton lacked control and rarely threatened the scoreboard.

Bedworth, on the other hand, played a simple game, with their fly-half continually pinning Upton back in the 22.

Upton’s squad was put under more pressure when they lost number eight Oli Banwell to concussion at the start of the second-half and prop Russell Price to injury soon after. Bedworth capitalised to score two converted tries to make the score 7-17.

Upton managed a late score from Alex Pimlow, who ran in a score from 60 yards.

The quick drop-goal conversion was missed and, as Upton raced back for the kick-off, the referee ended the game.