UPTON pulled off a surprise 30-26 victory against previously-unbeaten Pinley in a ferocious Midlands Three West (South) encounter.

They have struggled all season to put out a full side and this was no exception with a number of first XV squad players missing.

Having lost to bottom side Old Yardleians two weeks previously Upton focused on upping the intensity and matching the physicality of the Coventry side.

Upton started strongly and raced into a two-try lead with scores for left winger Noah Morris and skipper Max Macfarlane.

But once again home mistakes let second-placed Pinley into the game as they pulled back both the tries and sneaked into the lead by converting one.

However, Upton again took the lead with a second try for skipper Macfarlane.

From kick-off the hosts again dropped the ball and Pinley capitalised for their third try which was converted to make it 19-15 at half-time.

The second period though was virtually all one-way.

Upton dominated the lineout and had parity in the scrum.

Pinley tried to up the intensity at the breakdown but Upton stood firm and Jake Lock controlled the game from 10 putting in some booming kicks deep into the opposing half to pin them back.

After a number of scrums five metres out the home side eventually went blind and centre George Ainge powered over in the corner which Lock converted to make it 22-20.

Scrum-half James Gammond snipped in from five metres out to get Upton’s fifth try and push the score to 27-20 before stretching it further with a penalty.

But with five minutes left Pinley got their own bonus point with a fourth try and despite throwing the kitchen sink Upton held on for victory.

Ninth-placed Upton visit Shipston-on-Stour in fifth on Saturday.

Bromyard beat fellow high-fliers Claverdon 17-0 in Midlands Four West (South) and go to Coventrians on Saturday.