UPTON’S relegation battle took a turn for the worse as they lost 14-10 to lowly rivals in a game they should have won.

After thrashing Harbury 64-15 at home in September, second-from-bottom Upton slipped seven points behind their Midlands Three West (South) opponents after the latest result.

With a strong wind going down the pitch, Harbury elected to start with the elements and took a 14-point lead into half-time.

Upton dominated the early phases but, with the wind so strong, struggled to get into the hosts’ 22.

After 20 minutes, Harbury opened their account after an up-and-under from the halfway line.

The winger caught the kick and offloaded to their centre, who raced through for a converted try.

As Upton gave away penalties, Harbury kicked into the corner and from a driving maul bagged their second converted effort.

Upton dominated the second-half and were soon back in the game.

Skipper Max Macfarlane powered over from 10 metres to score but the conversion was missed.

Upton scored a second try after a fine break from prop Charlie Abbey saw him tackled just short of the line.

Player-coach Stuart Brooks picked up and scooted over for a second unconverted try.

Upton camped in the Harbury half and had what seemed a good try from Benji Airdrie disallowed when the referee said he was unsighted.

At four points down, the Old Street side knew they had to score a try.

Despite their efforts, Upton could not breach the line to sneak a victory but came away with a losing bonus point.

They are now four points ahead of basement boys Manor Park and three off third-from-bottom Southam ahead of Saturday’s home game with local rivals Ledbury (2.15pm).

Meanwhile, Bromyard lost 37-22 at home to third-placed Barton-under-Needwood in Midlands Four West (North).

Tries from coach Pat Hill, John Parker and Jamie Gibbs were not enough to earn Bromyard a bonus point in a disappointing defeat.

The visitors took advantage of a strong, well-organised pack to dominate possession with an early try setting the pattern of the game.

Stand-in scrum-half Chris Rowberry added sixth-placed Bromyard’s remaining points with two conversions and a penalty.

They visit mid-table rivals Bishops Castle and Onny Valley in the league on Saturday.

Hereford side Greyhound take on Shropshire’s Clee Hill on Tuesday in Bromyard’s Champions Floodlit Trophy (7.30pm).

Newent beat Old Bristolians 36-3 at home in Tribute Western Counties North.

Two late tries put the gloss on a less-than-vintage performance from the hosts.

Chris Steward, James Dean (2), Brett Gardner and Dan Bubb-Sacklyn scored tries with Ross Webb adding four conversions and a penalty.

Tighthead Steward powered over for an early converted try before Old Bristolians scored their only points of the game with a penalty.

Second-placed Newent head to Chosen Hill Former Pupils, who are one position and 17 points below them, on Saturday.