UPTON withstood a late fightback from Dunlop to secure a 24-22 away success in Midlands Three West (South).

After a sorry 27-0 loss at home to Coventry Welsh Upton headed to Dunlop where they had won just once in 13 years.

However the team were buoyed by the new signings of brothers George and Nick Lechmere and George Barrell who played for the first time with his brothers Freddie and Will.

With Dunlop going through a rebuilding stage as well Upton captain Rob Heeley sniffed the chance of a victory and the first half proved to be where the game was ultimately won.

They scored after two minutes when a long clearance by fly-half Jack Travis was chased by wing James Page and his hard work saw him block the Dunlop clearance and touch down for a first try.

Upton’s second unconverted try came after the forwards sucked in the home defence before outside centre George Lechmere made a fine break and fed Page who rounded his opposite number to score.

Upton then seemingly put the game to bed when George Ainge teed up George Barrell who scythed through the defence before scorching along the touchline to score under the posts allowing Travis to kick the conversion to make it 17-0.

Dunlop reduced their arrears with a try of their own before Upton freshened things at half-time with Harry Lechmere, Will Barrell and Ross Whitehead all coming on.

The trio made an immediate impact with George Lechmere offloading to Freddie Barrrell to sneak over. Travis added the extras for a 24-5 lead.

But the game then turned as the heavens opened. Upton’s slick handling was slowed by the greasy ball and Dunlop used their pick and go game plan to good effect.

Over the course of the second half Dunlop managed to sneak over for three more tries.

But their failure to land the final conversion with three minutes to go allowed Upton to hang on for a valuable five-point win.

Upton host Ledbury on Saturday (3pm).