What a difference a week makes! Last week Upton showed patience but more importantly superb decision making as they tore apart league leaders Dunlop. This week, in this this EDF Senior Vase match neither of those two qualities were in evidence as a game they should have won slipped away from them.

Wolverhampton, a league above Upton, have not had a great start to the season with only one win and did not fancy a trip to South Worcestershire. Upton were out to avenge the 80 points to 5 loss against the same opposition 8 years ago at Castlecroft, home of English School rugby and fancied their chances. However once again Upton failed to field the same side as in form Fly Half Dan Keyte was ill and Number 8 Oli Banwell was injured which effected their cohesion but the returning Lorcan Lynch and Luke Matthie and more than able replacements.

Upton started poorly but more importantly quietly as they failed to generate the passion needed to create momentum. Wolverhampton soon took the lead with a fancy move in the backs cutting open the midfield for their wing to score under the posts. The try was converted for an early 0-7 lead.

Upton dominated the game from then on certainly through possession but also through territory but could not break down the Wolves strong back line defence.

The second half started as the first ended with Upton continually on the attack and after a number of penetrative phases they were awarded a penalty that skipper and stand in fly half O'Neil converted to make the score 3-7.

Upton made some changes and brought on Mike Dodge at fly half and immediately scored a try.

Dodge took a quick tap penalty on half way and fast hands from Heeley and Pimlow put winger John Gammond away, in his first game for Upton for some ten years. He was tackled five metres short of the line but the ball was recycled rapidly and span wide where second row Matt Jeffreys came storming through the centres, whilst juggling the ball but managed to hold on and reach for the line. O'Neil converted to put Upton 10-7 up.

The home side should have closed the game out from here but continual poor decisions and silly mistakes gave the visitors two kickable penalties in the last 10 minutes which they duly converted and this allowed them to hold out for a 10-13 win.

Upton return to league action this week with an away trip to Kings Norton.

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