Upton travelled to Ledbury on Saturday for the first league game of the season in Midlands West 4 (south). The game was originally due to be played at Upton but due to the recent floods they asked Ledbury to transfer both the clubs fixtures against them to their ground.

Upton Ledbury has always been a big game for Upton players but, having been in lower leagues for around 7 year, many hadn't experienced the feelings for this game and it took passionate words from veterans Sean Lancett, Rob Heeley and Oli Jones to get the younger players up for the game.

Ledbury were strong favourites for this game based on: the fact it was played at their ground, their experience, finishing position in the league last year, and that half the Upton team had been at first team replacement Matt Bookham's wedding the day before.

The game started at a blistering pace but from the first scrum Upton knew they could compete as they took the first of many against the head. As they moved down field they were soon awarded a penalty which Dan Keyte converted for 0-3.

Upton struggled in the lineout but mistakes from the Ledbury back line gave Upton plenty of attacking ball from their dominant scrum. After a number of phases Upton spread the ball wide and hooker Heeley fed outside centre Pimlow and he raced through to score. 0-8

Ledbury then took siege to the Upton line but Upton's defence around the fringes and out wide was excellent and they stifled any attacking threats. As Ledbury became frustrated Upton again moved downfield and more superb rucking from all players particularly open side Adam Heath gave the backs quick ball for Pimlow to race through again to score. This made the half time score 0-15.

The second half saw no let up the ferocious play from Upton's forwards as their scrummaging and counter rucking kept them on top. Injuries to scrum half Raymond, second Row Lynch and centre Richardson meant a reshuffle in the side with Hooker Heeley moving to centre and the new groom from the day before, Bookham coming on the second row. This helped Upton's lineout as Pickering found Bookham easily and from the resultant rucks Upton ran a move in midfield before Heeley fed powerful full back and skipper O'Neil to score a third try. Keyte converted for 0-22.

Ledbury kept coming as their speedy backs looked to salvage something but from a move near the Upton line Pimlow intercepted and ran the whole length of the pitch to score. 0-29.

Ledbury managed a penalty after this before Upton kicked one also and as the clock ran down Ledbury were awarded a penalty on the Upton line and quick ball allowed them to squeeze in at the corner to end the game and give Upton a surprise victory.

BACK