FOR the final warm up game of the summer, Upton upon Severn Rugby Club finished off their week long three match tour of France with a specially arranged 'high intensity training' game against local league side Pau.

PAU 40pts, UPTON-UPON-SEVERN 5pts

It was decided before the game that due to the excessive heat and hard ground the game would be reduced to four 12-minute sessions, much to the relief of the now weary and reduced Upton squad.

Having lost Tony Strutton in the previous game following a 'dog bite' incident with a spectator's terrier, and with Tim Badger's disfigured nose, it was important the rest of the team dug deep as substitutes weren't an option.

The game started surprisingly quickly with the Upton backs of Heeley and Raymond enjoying the perfect handling conditions, but the forwards felt the heat from the off, tighthead Hill limped off exhausted after six minutes.

The rest of the pack with the dominant, towering Williams returning in the second row were the strong point of the tour and they again performed. Amazingly the first period ended scoreless.

From the kick-off the French forwards regained the ball and drove the Upton pack backwards 20 metres before unleashing their previously untried backs. What an effect they were to have on the game. A combination of slick handling, superior fitness, and a not inconsiderable amount of ability set the game alight.

Within the next 12 minutes Pau notched up 26 points, admittedly several chances coming from the lack of traction obtained from Matt Bookham, the Upton flanker who had to play in plimsolls due to sore feet.

Upton fought back in the next period restricting the 'training session' Pau backs to just seven points, and even gained a try of their own at the end when the ever alert and Dave Gower headed upfield 70 metres before passing to Penson to go over in the corner. Unfortunately, in the act of scoring the normally unbreakable Penson collided with the corner flag causing a fractured tibia and concussion.

It seemed appropriate the game was ended there, both teams welcome of the rest.

All agree it was a tough tour through the valleys and wine regions of France, but all players, spectators and connoisseurs thank the organisers of the trip for all of their help and hard work.

The 'ShandyBass' Man of the Tour' award goes to Mark Tether for his culture and dignity during the trying times encountered executing his translation role. The terrier also came through okay.