BROMYARD 15pts,

UPTON 13pts

BROMYARD were indebted to the young right boot of full back Ainsley Ralph for this tight victory in a sometimes bad-tempered North Midlands One match.

This was a must win for Bromyard as they had not won in the league and a large crowd of vice-presidents was present.

The home side started badly struggling to get the ball but as the first half wore on they became more confident and started to exert some authority, however it was Upton who drew first blood with two penalty kicks from their skipper Rob Heeley for a 6-0 lead.

The last 15 minutes of the first half saw Bromyard camped inside the Upton 22 but the final pass was not quite there and they had to make do with six points from Ralph's boot to make it all square at the break.

The second half saw a resurgent Bromyard with the forwards outstanding. Gareth Walsh and Giles Rivers carried the ball for big yards and Rich Harrison and Simon Fryar were tackling like demons.

But after Bromyard committed to many men to a ruck Upton's centre Brad Raymond rounded the covering defence to score a try, which Heeley converted to make the score 13-6.

Bromyard fired back into action with wingers Griffiths and Goodson running like bulldozers Bromyard were on the front foot, after another indiscresion Ralph slotted his third kick to leave Bromyard four points down with 15 minutes to go.

With the introduction of veteran Mike Legge the Upton scrum started to go backwards quickly. Bromyard going forward gave the ball to strong winger Griffiths who was high tackled by his opposite number which resulted in three points for Bromyard and a sin bin for the Upton player.

Another discretion saw Ralph having a shot at goal but the ball just dropped wide of the post, the drama was not over however and from the resulting drop out a catch and run from Nick Frost and Stu Harrison managed to get the ball recycled for a drop goal effort. This was charged down but the Upton player was offside 20 metres out bang in front, Ralph did not miss and Bromyard punched the air with joy.

Gareth Walsh was named man of the match for his powerful display.