SOLIHULL 35, UPTON 3

ON Saturday, Upton travelled to play at Solihull's 'professional' set-up. Like Worcester Wanderers, Solihull have gained promotion in both seasons since they joined the league.

Many Solihull players have played at a higher level so it was always going to be a tough day for Upton, also suffering with enforced changes through injury and illness.

But from the kick-off, it was Solihull who were under pressure and Upton who looked more likely to score. Gradually though, Solihull got their act together and were ten points up after 20 minutes through a penalty and a converted try.

Upton's much-changed team fought back gallantly and the front row even had the audacity to take three strikes against the head.

This pressure paid off when Rob Heeley kicked a penalty to bring the score to 10-3. Solihull counter-attacked and by half time had scored another try and a penalty for an 18-3 score-line.

After half-time, Upton changed their attack lines to focus on Solihull's weakness - the back division. Matt Mitchell went on some sniping runs and Upton's back row were constant thorns in the flesh of the home side.

In turn, Solihull countered these tactics by disrupting play, sometimes illegally but always too far out for penalties to be turned into points.

Eventually these tactics led to the yellow carding of their number eight.

This play tested Upton's resolve but gradually during the last 20 minutes the bigger Solihull forwards bulldozed their way to two more converted tries and a penalty leaving the final score at 35-3.

Upton skipper Rob Heeley led his team admirably with some fierce tackling and encouragement.

Upton needed the week to rest their muscles and creaking bones in readiness for a 2.30pm kick-off at home for the visit of local rivals Bromyard who, following this week's results, have jumped above Upton in the league.