ON a cold, windy but dry afternoon, Upton travelled to Shropshire for a North Midlands One bottom of the table clash with Cleobury.

CLEOBURY MORTIMER 8pts, UPTON 10pts

Both teams are suffering from retirements, injuries and non-availability, so with younger and inexperienced players in the teams the 'oldies' had a major part to play

Cleobury played with the wind in the first half and kept Upton pegged back for long periods but despite three penalties that went wide of the posts, Cleobury were unable to use the advantage. Upton were forced to work the ball upfield through their forwards. The rolling maul was used to good advantage but then possession was lost at a time when it seemed easier to score! Upton were happy that it was still 0-0 at half time and still with the wind to come.

From the re-start, Cleobury employed Upton's tactics and took the game on up front with their forwards cutting huge chunks into Upton's defence. They moved at great speed so catching Upton 'still sucking on their half time oranges'.

Despite Barry Lancett's valiant attempt to stop the player on the charge, Hylton Smith was able to touch the ball down near the posts but it was not converted. The score edged to 5-0.

Despite Upton's attempt to use the wind to get nearer the desired end, Cleobury at this time showed more desire to win and used the 'blindside' of the referee to snaffle the ball and break of down field so causing panic in the Upton defence. On one such occasion birthday boy Howman converted a penalty to take the score to 8-0.

The pressure was now even greater on Upton to make progress avoid claiming the bottom spot again. The Upton passion started to show at last

Skipper Rob Heeley got the score moving with a penalty after 65 minutes and the final 15 minutes were spent almost entirely in Cleobury's 22 with various attacking options and ploys being tried. Upton were just behind 8-3.

With five minutes to go, Upton opted to take a scrum at a penalty decision when five metres out and brought on veteran forward Nigel Banwell to add his weight to the pack. The ball was won and Upton went for the push over try but again Cleobury collapsed so Upton were forced to spin the ball out. When no advantage was gained, Upton tapped and Melv Hill drove for the line only for Cleobury to be penalised again.

At the fifth attempt and a penalty try the next option, Paul Pickering who had suffered a lot in this match managed to worm his way over for a try which Heeley converted.

As no further time was left on the clock the referee blew up for full time so giving a much needed win and two league points. The final score was 8-10.

The passion had returned for the last 15 minutes and Upton now move up the table.

With high-flying Bishop's Castle paying a visit on December 20, another two points would be a welcome Christmas present.