IN their first North Midlands One game of the season, Upton were up against a newly-promoted and highly-motivated Tenbury team who were to prove that they are going to make a real fist of their first term in this division.

TENBURY WELLS 19PTS, UPTON-UPON-SEVERN 30PTS

Upton, as so often, started the game with conviction and no shortage of ability. A solid, heavyweight pack were not to be moved, and from the first scrum of the game, quick ball and a raking pass from Heeley found Pimlow running a great angle to slice the Tenbury defence in two and then step the full-back with style. Heeley converted and Upton settled down.

The next five minutes saw Upton put further pressure on the Tenbury forwards, charging runs from Hill and Leake making ground and the constant pressure led to infringements from the eager Tenbury back row, in turn enabling Upton to gain yardage through Tether's kicking from hand. One such resultant line-out on the Tenbury 10-yard line saw Upton captain Jones soaring high to collect the throw. The following drive by the Upton forwards saw Pickering touch down for the score. Upton started to look in control at 0-12.

Tenbury hit back and they used their large back row and free-flowing backs to constantly gain yardage into Upton territory. Due to ill discipline and constant infringements at the breakdown, Upton allowed the excellent Tenbury kicker to bring them back into the game with a series of three penalties, each slotted with aplomb.

The second half saw much of the same, Upton again establishing ground through their impressive line-out and kicking from hand by Tether and Heeley. Williams at lock and Raymond at scrum half began to get into the game, and the latter's arrow passes and stealthy running set up an opportunity for Bookham to drive his way over for the score.

With Upton dominating and with the benefits of a pre-season fitness programme now beginning to reap rewards, they pressed home their advantage. From a scrum against the head quick-passing opened a gap for Tether himself to score and Upton were safe.

This didn't stop Tenbury coming back whilst Upton relaxed in their victory, scoring two tries late on.

Upton's man-of-the-match was Melvin Hill.