UPTON continued their poor Midlands Three West (South) run since Christmas with a 37-15 defeat at Southam.

After initially being ravaged by the weather and floods, Upton are now tackling a string of tough away fixtures with injuries and suspensions depleting the squad's resources.

However, their visit to Southam started badly when four of the squad, including player-coach Stu Brooks, arrived just five minutes before kick-off after their transport broke down on the motorway.

Despite this, Upton started well, using the forwards to keep the ball tight in windy conditions.

But, after three minutes when the visitors had enjoyed 100 per cent possession of the ball, Matt Glading knocked on and the Southam winger gathered to race in from 30 metres.

Five minutes later, from an almost identical place on the pitch, Upton's Chris Thomas stole a line-out.

But, as the ball bounced in front of scrum-half James Gammond, it shot into the arms of the Southam back rower, who juggled the ball over his opponent's head before charging 30 metres to score.

Upton were soon three tries down after Upton claimed a penalty at the breakdown but the referee ruled otherwise and the hosts ran in from 22 yards.

Things did not go any better in the second period as Upton conceded an early penalty to make the score 20-0.

Southam secured their bonus point when they charged through lacklustre tackling to score a converted try.

They then ended the game as a contest with a fifth try, probably the only one of the day where Upton did not give the ball away in the build-up.

With the game over, the Old Street side started to have a go and, as Southam backed off, they got some reward for turning up.

Skipper Max Macfarlane powered over from a quick tap penalty, Gammond scooted over from the back of a ruck and Alex Pimlow rounded three players to touch down in the corner.

But, as Upton tried to score a fourth try to grab a bonus point, Southam again picked up a loose ball and added their sixth.

The Warwickshire side moved up to fifth in the table, while Upton have dropped to fourth from bottom.

Upton return to action at home to Old Wheatleyans on Saturday, April 5.