We started strongly today against Longlevens, on what was the coldest match day so far this season. Thankfully it was dry and there was only a slight breeze which allowed for a great game of rugby. We rucked well, and passed the ball along the backs with confidence. A great chip kick from Tom gave our forwards a perfect ball to chase and once retrieved was quickly passed out to Toby on the wing who made a fantastic run into the corner to give us the perfect start.

Longlevens continued to battle, but it was Upton who produced the next scoring opportunity; our forwards worked hard to recycle the ball, and then Matt made a break, and using his great speed and strength, drove over the line in the corner.

After winning our previous encounter with Longlevens, and then going two scores up early in the game, you would forgive an opposition if they lost heart. However, Longlevens did not do this. They didn't buckle in the slightest, and slowly got themselves back into the game. Their forwards started to get the upper hand in rucks, and they got two tries before half time, putting the game in anyone's hands.

The second half was a brilliant contest between two teams who gave their all. We fought hard for the ball, and although we were not always first to the breakdown, our forwards did have a number of fantastic passages of play; we picked up, drove on, made the ball available, and kept possession. This was exactly what was asked for in the changing room before the match, and was so good to see on the field.

We successfully defended our line on a number of occasions, and our backs did well not to get drawn into the rucks and mauls, so that they had the width to defend against the opposition when they spread the ball wide. Despite this, it was Longlevens who scored the next try, and it was Upton that needed to dig deep if they were to stay in the game.

All credit to Upton who were determined to give their all. Some great play from Benji, who won the ball and made valuable ground throughout the match, was finally rewarded when he battled over the line under the posts. This was converted by Rich, which put the scores level.

The last quarter of the game seemed to last forever! First Upton were kept out from what seemed like a definite scoring position, and then we were on our back foot and defending our own line to the man. A draw would have saved both teams from bitter disappointment, but it never looked like it was going to be a draw. A score was on the cards, but impossible to predict for which team.

Finally a great break from Elliot, got him into space which he didn't waste and put Upton within striking distance. When he was finally caught I couldn't have wished for a better person to be waiting on his shoulder. Elliot popped the ball to Matt who then had the speed to skirt around the remaining defenders and score under the posts. Rich then converted this with the last ball of the match giving Upton a 24 - 17 win.

Congratulations on a brilliant match, made all the better by being fiercely contested throughout. Some individual brilliance, and fantastic team play; I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday morning.

Worthy Mentions

Matt Dunwell: His presence is always felt all over the pitch, but is most often associated with great strength in attacking moves. Today he showed his commitment in an absolutely text book defense when he single handedly held the ball (and player) up over the try line.

Elliot Hennessy: Who made a massive impact at Fly Half today, but in particular for his chip and catch which so nearly saw him over the line for what would have been a fantastic individual try.

Benji Airdrie: Who had an incredible game today; picking the ball up and driving forwards through the heart of the opposition, and then, when finally brought down, always making the ball available to his team mates.

Jacob Lee: Who played out of his skin today. He caught awkward balls, made strong tackles, but in particular showed that you don't have to give a winger space for them to be devastating. Running into the thick of a strong defense, the opposition still struggled to put a finger in him.

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