Upton continued their run of league wins with a hard fought victory over Shipston.
Shipston had scored more points than Upton so far this season but Upton have the best defensive record in the league so this prompted a tough game. Both sides had to contend with a strong cold cross wind but it was the visitors who coped best as Upton kicked aimlessly and dropped or knocked on any ball they had. However their dominant scrum and rucking play allowed them to edge downfield.
Upton were awarded a penalty 5 metres out and decided to run a penalty move. Russell Price stormed through the defence but managed to pop off, before being tackled, to scrum half Brad Raymond to dive under the posts. Keyte converted 7-0.
Shipston then dominated possession and territory for almost the whole match but Upton's defence was manful as they repelled wave after wave of Shipston possession with the back row or Jones, Bookham and Heath to the fore. Shipston's only score of the first half was a converted penalty.
7-3.
The second half continued with Shipston throwing everything at Upton's line but it was Upton who managed the next score. After recycling the ball a number of times on half way Hooker Heeley went blind and popped to second row Matt Jeffery's who rounded the winger before charging 40 metres down the line drawing the fullback and putting in Open side Adam Heath for a try. 12-3
Upton were then reduced to 10 men as Heeley was put in the bin for a late and high tackle. However Upton seemed to play better with 14 as they managed to put pressure on the visitors line. After another period of patient recycling skipper O'Neil changed the point of attack and as the defence lay off him he barged over the line with three defenders holding on. 17-3.
With 5 minutes to go as Upton felt they had done enough they let Shipston score a converted try to make the score nervously 17-10. However straight from the kick off Shipston were awarded a penalty, which they took quickly, but as they spread it wide Dan Keyte intercepted in midfield and raced over for the winning try. 22-10.
Next week Upton travel to Edwardians in Birmingham.
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