DESPITE not taking maximum points from this Midlands Three West (South) fixture, the Upton players and coaching staff came off the pitch feeling more positive after the last month’s performances.

Not only did they play well in most facets of the game, but they came back from 24- 10 down to secure a 29-29 draw.

With seven first-team squad members missing from the pack and one in the backs, Upton are struggling for numbers and started this game with three hookers in the front row.

Dan Keyte stroked over an early penalty to give Upton the lead, but Shipston soon found their stride and moved the ball from left to right to suck in defenders and create gaps.

From a poor clearance from Upton full-back Chris O’Neil, Shipston ran the ball back through several missed tackles and scored near the posts.

The visitors then created a two-on-one overlap and scored again.

Upton rallied and showed more grit and determination than in recent weeks, particularly at the breakdown.

From a penalty on half-way, Alex Pimlow carried the ball to the five-metre line before off-loading to prop Rob Heeley who powered through the final tackler to score. Keyte converted.

Poor concentration cost Upton again, though, as Shipston scored another try.

A Shipston penalty early in the second-half made it 24-10, but Upton launched a fightback. Heeley sent openside flanker Tom Gammond over for a try converted by Keyte, before the fly-half chipped the ball over the defence for Pimlow to touch down. The conversion levelled the game.

However, the visitors kept battling and re-took the lead with a try in the corner.

Determined not to lose the match, Upton span the ball wide and winger Alex Flower dived over to once again level the scores. Unfortunately for the hosts, Keyte couldn’t slot the conversion and the game ended in a draw.