Both sides had not played any rugby for a month, as both their league games last week were called off due to frost. The fact that their last games were against each other at Upton and Pershore trounced the hosts 0-32 meant a similar result was expected at Pershore.
Upton won the toss and made the crucial decision to play into the wind and therefore expected a first half full of defending. This is exactly what happened as Pershore piled on the pressure. However as was evident throughout the game Upton's defence was outstanding, particularly the backrow of Heath, Jones, and Bookham and around the park from Jefferys and Flower.
Pershore missed an early penalty but capitalised on an Upton mistake. From a penalty on the 22 yard line the returning fly half Keyte failed to make touch into the strong wind. Pershore's winger gathered and showed great pace and strength to round his opposite and the despairing Jones to score. Will Woodhouse converted. Upton managed to hold out until half time to make the score 7-0.
Half time saw coach Nat Kelsey bring skipper Chris O'Neil on at full back after his recent ankle surgery and this lifted the Upton spirits even more.
Playing with the wind they were soon awarded a penalty that hooker Rob Heeley converted, having to take over the kicking duties from Keyte and O'Neil due to their recent injury problems.
Upton, despite, the wet and boggy conditions stuck to their game plan of trying to spread the ball and were awarded with a great but simple try. Fly half Keyte span the ball wide and O'Neil burst down the outside. He missed out the pacey Pimlow to left wing Carr who beat his man before slipping a lovely pass inside to the supporting Pimlow who raced in un-challenged from 30 metres. Heeley converted to make it 7-10.
Upton's heads were now up and continued pressure resulted in a difficult penalty chance for Heeley which he did convert to push the score to 7-13. At this point Pershore threw everything at Upton and were unlucky not to score but for a forward pass. They did manage a penalty but Upton held on for a magnificent win to get their season back on track.
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