UPTON’S dreams of playing at Twickenham were shattered after a spirited display ended in a 35-19 home defeat to Vipers.

Their RFU Midlands Senior Vase semi-final hopes had been boosted when Vipers lost to last-eight opponents Rugby St Andrews in the league.

But under-strength Upton were without back rower Chris O’Neil, scrum-half James Gammond, centres Rich Jeynes and Dan Keyte and full-back Dan Aldersey.

With such changes in the backs in particular, Upton went into the game as massive underdogs.

After 10 minutes, their task looked even more difficult when 14-0 down.

Vipers sucked in the Upton defence to score out wide and then drove over through the pack after a catch-and-drive from the line-out.

But Upton steadied the ship when their forwards started to take the ball with purpose.

Charlie Abbey powered through the defence and, after being held up five metres out, scrum-half Sean Roberts scooted blind to score with Luke Sheppard converting.

However, Upton could not close the gap before half-time and went further behind.

From a five-metre scrum, Vipers gave the ball to their outstanding centre who weaved through to score and convert.

At 21-7 down following the break, Upton still felt they had a chance with the wind at their backs.

But they fell further behind when Vipers' centre chipped over the defence, gathered his kick and skipped under the posts.

The home side did not give up and, from a line-out close to the Vipers line, their forwards drove over with player-coach Stu Brooks emerging with the ball.

Upton sensed there was still a small chance of victory but once again they were undone by the Vipers centre.

He spotted a gap 30 metres out and scored his third and Vipers' fifth try to make it 35-12.

Upton kept coming and replacement centre George Ainge powered through from 20 metres to score a third try which Rob Heeley converted.

However, Vipers shut up shop and played the game tight for the final 10 minutes to secure their final place.

Second-from-bottom Upton return to their Midlands Three West (South) relegation battle on Saturday at the only team below them in Manor Park.