UPTON began their Midlands Three West (South) campaign with a 33-15 victory over old rivals Bromyard.

They bagged a bonus point in the process and ensured it was a winning start for new head coach Ben Hughes.

He handed debuts to James Phipps and Will ‘Freddie’ Barrell in the pack but with just one pre-season friendly under their belts – which many players missed – Upton have had little time together and this showed in a physical and tiring first half.

Much of the first period was spent around the half-way line and countless mistakes from both sides meant there were numerous scrums but little in the way of action near the trylines and the half ended without score.

This was in total contrast to the rugby dished up after the break and with Hughes’ half-time talk centred based on being patient, Upton’s fitness proved key in the end.

The opening try came from Matt Dunwell who went down the blindside from a ruck and stormed over with Rob Heeley adding the conversion.

Skipper and number eight Max Macfarlane added a second score soon after to wrap up a decent move that saw Jake Lee feed Heeley down the short side before the veteran hooker popped a pass to Macfarlane who burst through two tackles to race to the line. Heeley again converted.

Upton were in control and a third try soon followed when Josh Finch kicked over the covering defence before Joe Ayres hacked through to score under the posts. Heeley kicked the extras.

Bromyard replied with an unconverted try from James Mitchell but Upton grabbed the bonus point.

Centre turned flanker Rich Clive powered over out wide to give his side a 26-5 lead.

Upton’s final try of the game came from openside flanker Barrell which Heeley again converted before Bromyard ran in two late tries through Bobby Ralph and Toby Rivers to finish with a flourish.

Upton are next in action on Saturday, September 23, when they host Coventry side Dunlop.

That day will also see the club unveil their renamed ground in memory of the late Nigel Banwell.