UPTON welcomed a large crowd for their first home game of the season and the official renaming of the ground Banwell Park after the passing of founding member Nigel Banwell last season.

But despite a good day the result did not go the way Upton wanted as they lost 42-19 to Dunlop in Midlands Three West (South).

The hosts started brightly and went ahead when skipper Max Macfarlane made a break down the blind side and the ball eventually found its way to winger Joe Ayres who touched down in the corner.

Dunlop slowly started to develop a dominance on the game using their powerful runners to punch holes in the Upton defence.

The home side struggled to get any control over the ball and from two driving line-outs Dunlop scored two converted tries and a third from a slick backs move to make the half-time score 21-5.

The second half started as the first ended with Upton struggling to hold onto the ball and the visitors driving them backwards.

Two more converted tries gave them the bonus point and the match but Upton kept battling and looked to have the advantage out wide.

They managed a second try when full-back Dan Aldersey put a brilliant chip kick through on halfway before Martin Muleko hacked the ball forward and gathered the loose ball to run in under the posts. Rob Heeley converted.

Dunlop extended their lead with a sixth converted try before James Gammond grabbed a third consolation effort when he bobbed and weaved his way through to score which Heeley again converted.

Upton’s next game is on Friday when they travel to local rivals Ledbury for a night game under floodlights.