UPTON suffered cruel luck with injuries as they lost 19-5 at Shipston, in Midlands Three West (South).

Three of the visitors’ players were taken to hospital during the first-half and, coupled with further injuries in the second-half and a sin-binning, it was almost inevitable that Shipston would eventually prevail.

Upton’s first injury came after just five minutes when centre Ali Hills left the field with a damaged finger, which later required surgery.

With Upton reorganising themselves, Shipston capitalised to score a converted try from a lineout to lead 7-0.

However, as Upton were awarded a penalty five metres out and opted for a scrum, they lost lineout talisman Chris Thomas to a nasty gash on his head.

Upton were then dealt another blow when, after a mass brawl, Rob Heeley left the field with an ear wound which needed 25 stitches.

Upton had used all their replacements and this would prove crucial later in the game.

Despite this, Max Macfarlane pulled a try back before half-time to make it 7-5.

With the slope in their favour in the second-half, Upton fancied their chances.

But, when Joe Ayres departed with a shoulder injury, Upton had to play with 14 men.

That became 13 after Chris O’Neil was sent to the bin, allowing Shipston to out-number the visitors and score two more tries for the win, denying Upton a bonus point.