Although the predicted winter weather did not arrive for the match, the spectators were kept on their toes by some pulsating rugby from both sides. The Lions have worked their up through the leagues and currently playing at the next level above Upton who were not bowing to anyone and showed that there is strength in the squad as five regulars were unavailable.

With an early kick-off in case extra time was needed to settle this cup tie and without a game last week because of the floods it would have been reasonable to expect Upton to be slow to get back on track but straight from the kick-off, Upton received the ball and went down the blind side and made vast strides particularly through Matt Jeffreys and Russell Price. Upton recycled the ball and when the Lions could not contain the pressure and came offside, Dan Keyte kicked the penalty for the lead (3 - 0)

Stourbridge were back in the picture straight away with a penalty of their own through Tom Millen (3 - 3)

Upton were back on the attack with some good carries by the backs and forwards and it was not long before Upton's back row combined to create more headaches for Stourbridge. Upton won the ball against the head, Oli Banwell picked up from the base of the scrum and made 20 metres down the blind side where a pass inside found the supporting Oli Jones who made more ground and then Luke Mathie was driven over. Keyte converted to put Upton in front again on 20mins and were not to be headed again (10 - 3)

Play continued at a frantic pace up and down the pitch with both attacks and defences working overtime. The Lions playing with some talented youngsters started to put Upton under the cosh with a number of forward drives and back ploys. Upton though defended manfully and waited patiently for mistakes to occur. On 35mins The Lions were awarded a penalty 15 metres out and they decided to run it but soon dropped the ball. Speedster Alex Pimlow swooped to gather the ball and was off on a mazey run that took him pass would be tacklers and on halfway there was only the fullback to beat. Swerving both ways Pimlow put doubt in Mitchells' mind with the result that he was able to go out wide and round the defender to score under the posts. Keytes converted (17 - 3)

Before half time Stourbridge came back with a penalty (17 - 6)

Upton stormed into the second half just like the first with confident handling and good support play. Stourbridge cleared for touch 5 metres out and from the resultant lineout, a catch and drive saw prop Shaun Lancett emerging with the ball having scored his first try since returning from his excursion into higher grade rugby (22 - 6)

Stourbridge realised that if they were to save face they had to attack which they did and put Upton under immense pressure and when Upton had overstepped the line several times whist defending the referee awarded a penalty try which was converted to narrow the score. (22 - 13)

With 20mins to go Upton brought on fresh legs and soon John Gammond was putting the frighteners on two defenders when he followed up a cross kick which they fumbled 15metres out and there was Pimlow to gather up the ball and score his second try and but all put the game out of reach (27 - 13)

To their credit Stourbridge did not give up easily and scored another try (27 - 18)

Upton now play Oswestry at home in round 2 probably on Dec 13th but next week it is back to league action when 4th placed Upton play against 3rd placed Bedworth

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