UPTON came out on top in a niggly Midlands Three West (South) local derby with Ledbury, winning 30-15.
Alex Pimlow opened the scoring for the home side with a try in the corner.
Upton’s second try came when fly-half Dan Keyte drew the defence before captain Chris O’Neil burst through the centres and rounded the full-back to touch down from 30 metres out.
A third try was not long in coming as again Upton’s forwards took the ball on around the fringes.
Loosehead prop Luke Bolton set up some quick ruck ball, which was fed along the line for left winger Dan Aldersley to speed in the corner.
Bolton was then forced off injured and Upton lost their dominance in the scrum.
From a shortened line-out five metres out, Ledbury stole the hosts’ throw without the referee noticing they had a full compliment.
This enabled them to set up a driving maul and score.
From a series of pick-and-goes, Ledbury managed to create quick ball and touched down to make the half-time score 15-10.
Ledbury scored a third try early in the second-half, but Upton hit back with a try from winger Ed Fowler.
Upton scored their fifth try through Pimlow and converted by Rob Heeley. The home side secured the win in the final minutes when replacement centre Mike Dodge slotted a penalty.
Meanwhile, Upton Seconds crushed Evesham Thirds 49-15.
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