UPTON'S second team is proving very difficult to beat, and this significant away win at Birmingham Wyvern showed a fit, confident side eager to do well.

BIRMINGHAM WYVERN 12pts, UPTON 2nds 19pts

Near perfect weather conditions proved a plus point, though the Wyvern playing surface left much to be desired.

However, the visitors took the game to Wyvern from the outset with Upton's pack scrummaging well, despite a significant difference in man-to-man weight.

"Our forwards were superb," said Upton captain Dai Hodges. "Wyvern pushed us back on one or two occasions, but we expected this in terms of their superior weight. But Wyvern's forwards were unfit and faded away in the second half. This is where we came into our own."

Upton took every opportunity, testing and probing the Wyvern defence. Playing at full back, Rob Heeley kicked and ran with more confidence than in recent weeks. Kicking four penalties and converting one try, proved fairly decisive in the final outcome.

For the try, an opportunistic quick lineout from winger, Matt Bookham to open side, Mark Atkinson put him over the line from eight metres out. It was a solid display from Upton's forwards, with the front row of Andy McCausland, Mark Symington and Ben Leeke linking well. Second row, Pete Stevens jumped well in the line with big Paul Williams rampant on the charge. Special mention to Steve Wynwood who has fast become a formidable blind-side flanker proving solid in defence.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Upton Seconds take on Bishops Castle at Upton (2.30pm). Support welcome.