THIS was the first time Upton had played this Birmingham side, but they went prepared for a challenging and bruising North Midlands One encounter and so it proved.

WOODRUSH 15pts, UPTON 9pts

General weather and light conditions were atrocious but Upton showed little respect for Woodrush as they took the game to the hosts from the outset. It was to be a day of attack and counter-attack with little between the two teams.

If there was to be criticism, then Upton seemed unable to utilise the back line as much as they should have. In turn, this was Woodrush's weakest link, but the Upton pack kept it too close, admittedly in squalid conditions.

Rob Heeley proved his usefulness with the boot, kicking two successful penalties in each half. Playing at inside centre, Heeley linked well with Huw Williams on the outside in both attacking and defensive play. But it seemed not quite enough to unleash the speed of Nigel Watson and Neil Caldwell on each wing. It was a quiet day for the two, though Watson came so close to a second half try but he over ran a good pass from open-side, Adam Heath with the ball judged forward. It was the turning point, with Upton's pack getting increasingly frustrated.

Woodrush came back with two converted penalties to even the scores. But Upton fly half, Mark Tether again took the visitors ahead with a wonderful drop goal from outside the 22.

But penalties were to be Upton's downfall in the second half with the Woodrush fly half converting a further three to give the hosts victory.

Upton captain Rob Heeley said: "It came down to five penalties against us and two against Woodrush, that was where the game was won and lost.

"We were unlucky not to score through our backline but plenty was gained from the encounter and we look forward to welcoming Woodrush to Upton for the return fixture."