UPTON 7PTS, ALCESTER 0

UPTON 1st XV were again playing at home on Saturday, with the visitors being Alcester, who were looking to improve on a draw in the equivalent last season.

On a cold blustery afternoon, Alcester soon got to work testing the home defence which was magnificent the whole game. The back-row of Oli Jones, Russell Price and Lorcan Lynch enormous in both defence, tackling strongly, putting the big Alcester forwards down, as well as supporting the three-quarters in attack.

Russell Price made his mark at the back of the line-out stealing any wayward throw- ins, and Nigel Mendez did more than his fair share of robbing the opposition when thrown short to the front.

Although Mendez is more accustomed to the wing, he is making his mark as a big ball- carrying second-row, strong in attack, and in defence where he thwarted a number of Alcester attacks, by clearing up loose ball, standing strong, holding off the opposition forwards until support arrived.

The only score of the game was another Alex Pimlow special, in the first half, where he put on the after burners to scorch in from 60 metres, after Russell Price had again stolen the Alcester throw-in close to the Upton try line. Chris O'Neil converted for 7-0.

Although this was to be the final result, the game was never boring.

The majority of the match was played in Upton's half, with the opposition trying to bring in their big forwards to break down Upton's defence. But the home side played with passion and control, bringing down the big men time after time.

For the second week running the Upton threequarters played a bit loosely, but fine cover play by the back-row averted any trouble, and it will only be a matter of time before they are playing to their full potential again.

On this performance, with Upton's backs on song, they have the potential to be a real force to be reckoned with in the league.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Upton welcome Tenbury for a league game, kick-off 2.15pm.

5:32pm Thursday 29th November 2007

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