UPTON TAKE MIDLANDS THREE WEST (SOUTH) CROWN

Upton's First XV duly took the championship of Midlands Three West (South) with a final match win away at Evesham by 29 points to 17. This meant that Newnold on Avon, our nearest challengers, would not be able to catch us even if they achieved maximum point wins in their catch-up games. Upton have had their sights set on the title all season, and a lethal combination of skill, speed, tenacity and resolute defence gave a final tally of 20 wins in 22 matches with only two small defeats - a record which included two wins against New bold. It would be invidious to single out individuals in what has been a superb team effort throughout the season, ably masterminded by Oli Banwell and his coaching team. I'm sure the Presentation Day on June 4th will reveal more concerning individual player highlights!

Don't forget you can see all the results and reports on the First XV matches on the Fixtures page of the website, where there is also a link to the RFU Results website showing the final league table and details of all results throughout the season.

So, onwards and upwards next season in Midlands Two West (South) where we shall be playing some old friends and rivals such as Pershore, Droitwich and Kiddermionster, as well as some new adversaries in Leamington and Banbury.

WELL DONE AGAIN - A FANTASTIC SEASON!

UPTON SECOND XV ALSO HAVE A GREAT SEASON

Despite falling at the final hurdle in defeat At Eveshm, the second XV has had a superb season in their Worcestershire and Herefordshire Merit Table, having been promoted only this season. A win in their final match would have ensured a second successive promotion and given the Club a rare double. Unfortunately details are sparse as results and reports have been inconsistent in their publication, which is a shame as the excellence of the team's season has rather fallen under the radar. Perhaps someone reading this would like to flesh out more details?

The Winter Games

After the win over Redditch Upton travelled into Warwickshire to Shipston, a place where we have not yet won. A large and vocal home crowd coupled with some excellent play nearly resulted in a defeat for Upton. For the third away match in a row Upton produced some very stout defence, especially in the last quarter of the game when Shipston constantly forced their way down the slope. Eight wins to start the season is more than could have been hoped for and the coaches must be pleased with the attitude which the team is bringing to the field.

Back at home the next week and another cup match, Rugby St Andrews are a side we have played a few times and this looked like a tricky encounter. Nobody else played this day, winter had taken a grip, we were lucky to escaped the weather. After an even first ten minutes Upton took control of the game. When chances occurred we took them and tackles were made when they had to be. Only a late try for the visitors put a dent in the score and the place I promised in the last four of the Midland Cup has duly arrived. We will not know our opponents until early February because all the other games were called off and there are no free weekends to wedge in the fixtures.

Back at home for the next match in the league and Woodrush were the visitors, another side who always provide a close game. The weather relented to allow a full fixture program but I am sure most teams faced the same sort of pitch conditions as Upton. Both teams do usually try and play quality rugby but the tacky pitch never really allowed this. Although the 18-7 score suggests a tight match Upton never really looked like losing. The back row put in massive performances and only a last gasp try put Woodrush on the board. Nine wins from nine, the start continues. Our next game in Coventry was snowed off so the Christmas break was taken in good heart. Before we move on just a word on the very good turnout for the crowds in the last few home games, pretty good considering the arctic conditions.

After Christmas we were back at home and Harbury were the visitors. They really should have won back in September and another tight game was expected. Both teams were quite rusty after the break and the game never really flowed. Without being overly critical the ref did not help with the openness of the game, maybe he was easing himself back into it after the festivities.

To finish this portion off we made the short trip to Kings Norton and came away with another win to complete the first half of the fixtures on the perfect 11 from 11. As usual it was windy and again like last week neither side could find first gear. That is not to say that there were not some good performances, I will not pick out any of the Upton players so as not to embarrass them but I will mention the Kings Norton full back who made a number of fine runs and did not miss any of the high balls he faced, very impressive given the breezy conditions.

Before we go just to mention the semi-final of the Midland Cup. Keep an eye on local press for details, the game will probably be played on the last weekend in February.