Upton snatch defeat from jaws of victory at home

The hosts were for once at near full strength and started the game brightly, recycling the ball well and keeping to a structure.

With the forwards on top at the scrum but the backs having to work hard in defence, it was a game that stayed 0-0 for a long time.

But after 20 minutes Upton took the lead when after the ball was recycled a number of times blindside Matt Dunwell went through plenty of tackles to score.

Rob Heeley converted to make it 7-0 in the Midlands Three West (South) clash.

But Old Leams started to get their foot in the game thanks largely to Upton’s ill-discipline and mistakes.

Before the crowd knew it the visitors had taken a seven-point lead after two well-worked tries which were converted.

However, Upton did not panic and were level by half-time.

Again countless phases of recycled ball led to a penalty five metres out.

Skipper Max Macfarlane opted for a scrum and Upton shoved their opponents back over the line.

Just as it looked like Macfarlane would score, Old Leams illegally kicked the ball away and the referee awarded a penalty try to make it 14-14 at half-time.

Upton now had the wind and dominated the second half.

They took the lead when Macfarlane made a strong break and as he was tackled 10 metres out fed the supporting Joe Ayres to score under the posts.

Heeley converted to make it 21-14 but this was where the game changed and Upton let their visitors back in.

Firstly, Old Leams scored a third try but as it was unconverted Upton still led by two points.

But then inexplicably the home side let Old Leams run from deep to score a fourth try to make it a three-point gap with 10 minutes to go.

Upton camped in the Old Leams 22 for the remainder of the game but chose not to kick the numerous penalties they were awarded and instead go for the win.

But despite hammering on the door Old Leams would not let them in.

Ninth-placed Upton visit second-from-bottom Old Wheatleyans on Saturday.