FOR the last North Midlands One league game before Christmas, Upton welcomed Woodrush from south Birmingham who arrived in force for their 'pre-Christmas tour'.

UPTON 10pts, WOODRUSH 19pts

Both teams were forced yet again to make changes and although Upton's forwards held the upper hand in the scrummaging battle, the game was settled in the back division where Woodrush were far more adventurous, penetrating and accomplished.

Playing uphill and into a variable cross wind in the first half, Upton took the lead after 10 minutes with a successful kick from the trusty boot of skipper Rob Heeley who started the game this week from his more usual position in the backs.

The lead didn't last long as Woodrush hoisted a speculative high 'up and under' from their 22. The cross wind caught and drifted the ball back into play so catching out the Upton cover defence.

Right wing Sharpe was up speedily for Woodrush and fly-hacked on from halfway and supporting full back Nigel Simmons just beat the defence to score an unconverted try wide out to take the score to 3- 5.

The Woodrush 'threes' were a constant threat when the ball came their way and left wing Ed Lerua dented Upton's hopes further after 25 minutes when he crossed for a converted try by Toby Smith following some good hands from centre Brown and Simmons. Woodrush led 3-12.

Upton dug deep and the forwards kept the ball tight to make progress but despite the constant threat posed by flanker Oli Jones, there were no further scores before half-time.

The second half carried on where the first ended, with Upton's forwards, especially the front row of Hill, Pickering and Leeke, creating problems in the set scrums but Woodrush's backs would get the ball and counter attack. So it was for the next score when Simmonds came through on an angled run to score and Smith converted moving Woodrush to 3-19.

Heeley moved to hooker and still the pack controlled the set scrums by 'taking balls against the head' and driving metres at a time into the opposition territory.

With five minutes to go and 10 metres out, Heeley again won the ball against the head and the pack drove on for a push over try which flanker Matt Bookham claimed. Heeley duly converted to give a final score 10-19.

It was one of those days when Upton were never going to win, not even the raffle!

Hopefully with two weeks before the next league match, which is away to local rivals Bromyard on January 4, a few aching limbs can be rested and revitalised with some Christmas cheer.