Upton traveled in the miserable conditions up to Birmingham for the 1st round of the EDF Energy Senior Vase. This is the first time Upton has been in the higher grade cup competition following their promotion to Midlands 4 West (south) last season. It is very difficult to tell at this stage how good a side Upton could be this year as the weather on Saturday was a real leveler but it was only after the game that this victory seemed to be a pretty good one.

Old Yardleians coaching staff admitted they are targeting a top two finish in their parallel league to Upton and were very confident of a win against a side with much less experience than them. To be honest the home side was a very efficient unit particularly at the breakdown and line out where they continually disrupted or even stole Upton ball during the first half.

The first half was all Old Yards as Upton made lots of handling errors in the wet and Old Yards continued to pin them back in their 22 with sliding kicks. However despite this pressure Upton's defense was exemplary and Old Yards never really looked like scoring and managed one penalty out of three to have a 3-0 half time lead.

Coach Nat Kelsey made tactical changes at half time withdrawing Fly half Dodge and replacing him with full back and skipper O'Neil and putting on Dan Aldersey at full back. A rallying team talk from returning local hero prop forward Sean Lancett made the side realise they were only a score down and as the half wore on Old Yards became more frustrated at the defence but more importantly higher fitness levels of Upton with some sterling performances from back row Jones and débutante centre Andy Richardson.

As Upton slowly progressed up field they sensed an opportunity to score and after a number of pick and drives scrum half Raymond found half a gap to score only for the ref to pull him back and award Upton a penalty, however prop Russell Price broke through from the penalty and fed Raymond who this time scored with 10 minutes to go. Heeley converted. 3-7

Old Yards had to push from here but immediately spilled the ball and Upton kicked and chased down field and were awarded a penalty which Heeley converted to make the final score 3-10.

Next week sees Upton start their league campaign at home to local rivals Ledbury. Kick off 3pm. Upton 2nd Xv will also have their first game at home against the same opposition.

BACK