UPTON 35pts, WOODRUSH 0

FOR the third successive week, the supporters were entertained to some awesome rugby by Upton as again they scored over 30 points in a competitive match.

The weather was perfect for running rugby and Upton were keen to make the most of these conditions and their abilities.

The opposition this week came in more reliable transport ready for the 3pm start, unlike the previous week's cup opponents Vauxhall Motors, whose non-General Motors coach could not get them to Upton on time.

Upton kicked-off down the slope and immediately put Woodrush under pressure with the backs and forwards working in harmony and fast-learning scrum-half Ali Drury being the decisive link.

Woodrush, with last gasp relieving kicks upfield, held out for a while but not for long. Soon Upton's well-drilled pack were back controlling the play in the line-outs, scrums and mauls in order to make ground before releasing their backs to inflict further problems on Woodrush.

Within 20 minutes of the star,t Upton had scored tries through Brad Raymond and then Matt Bookham touched down for a push-over try. Rob Heeley converted both for Upton to lead 14-0.

Upton's play continued to develop and confidence grew as passes went to hand and there always seemed to be at least two or three players up in support.

Woodrush tried to mount their own attacks but were thwarted by determined tackling from Upton's back row of Oli Jones, Matt Bookham and Luke Mathie and particularly lock Rob Wynn.

The Upton pack was in total control and Woodrush stopped further scores through 'holding up' the ball. Woodrush realised it was not to be their day when just on half-time, they got into the Upton 22 for the first time and then kicked a penalty wide when in front of the posts.

Woodrush restarted the game but found themselves back on their 22 following a long kick and chase by Mark Tether and Nigel Watson. Upton stole the line-out and the pack proceeded to drive Woodrush back 22 metres with a well controlled rolling maul and Bookham claimed his second try. Rob Heeley converted for 21-0.

On sixty minutes Upton eased up a little and Woodrush tried to capitalise by bringing their strong running backs into play. After dropping the ball on Upton's 22 and knocking-on, young Luke Mathie retrieved it and proceeded to out-pace the covering defence over the next 70-odd metres to score under the posts.

Rob Heeley converted again for 28-0.

Upton's superior fitness started to play a big part in the game and Woodrush had no answer to the ball being carried at speed up-field whether by the forwards or backs.

Only desperate tackling kept winger Nigel Watson from scoring but Brad Raymond was on hand to rip out the ball and dive over for his second try.

Hooker Rob Heeley completed a perfect afternoon with another successful conversion to give a final score of 35-0.

Ali Drury won the man-of-the-match award.

With a free league week tomorrow (Saturday), Upton will hope to entertain their faithful supporters during their next home league match on October 8. Then it is on to an away match against Castle Donnington in the next round of the Powergen Vase on October 15.