Upton entertained visitors Tetbury, from Gloucester, in the 3rd round of the of the EDF Energy Junior Vase. This was Upton's first match in this competition, having had byes for the first 2 rounds. But Tetbury having won their previous 2 rounds were looking to cause an upset by defeating Upton, and progressing further in the cup.

The visitors made it clear form early on that they wanted to base their game around a very strong pack, and caused the Upton forwards a few problems with their strong rucking and mauling. Upton may not have the biggest forwards around, but they are mobile, and with their lighting quick and skillful backs they are a match for any team in an open game.

In the opening exchanges Upton pressured Tetbury, and found themselves being awarded a penalty 5 metres out. Taken quickly by ben Leek, the referee was not happy, and called it back to be retaken. Upton used their forwards to set up a platform, the ball was quickly recycled, and Upton's threequarters opened up the Tetbury defence for Marek Willis to score. The try was converted by Dan Keyte, 7 - 0.

Upton continued to play an open game, and were off loading well in the tackles to keep the ball alive. With this game plan, Upton were looking to open the visitor's defence, and nearly did so, with prop Dave Hunt finding himself worked clear with 50 metres to go. Unfortunately his pass did not find the support on that occasion, or it could have been another try to Upton.

Tetbury continued to fight back and through good work by their forwards found themselves just outside the Upton 22, and were then awarded a penalty which was duly converted. 7 - 3.

This seemed to spur Upton on, and through Nigel Mendez, playing in the unacustomed position of second row, and Oli Jones, also in the second row, took the game to the visitors with bullocking runs, ably supported by the back row of Adam Heath, Lorcan Lynch and Russell Price. Recycling the ball quickly at the breakdowns the home side were looking to bring their mercurial threequarters into the game as much as possible. Leading to Alex Pimlow scoring a typical try putting on the after burners and leaving the opposition defence in his wake. The try was again converted by Dan Kyte, 14 - 3.

Upton continued to soakup the Tetbury forward pressure but ran the ball wide themselves at every opportunity, leading to a tryh for Alex Flower after he had been put clear by Richie Mills. This also converted, 21 - 3.

Unfortunately this was to be last of Upton's scores. They conceded a penalty late in the first half, 21 - 6 at half time.

The second half is probably one best to be forgotten from Upton's point of view. Tetbury felt that this was a game they could win, and kept the ball tight in the forwards. Upton started to make some untypical mistakes, and allowed Tetbury to work an over lap and score themselves, the try going unconverted, 21 - 11.

This being the only score of the second half and the final result. With play and tempers becoming frayed, it was with some relief that the final whistle went, with Upton going through to the next round.

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