UPTON entertained county rivals Pershore under their floodlights, but the Hallowe’en-themed match turned into a nightmare 24-3 defeat for the hosts.

With the Old Street side at almost full strength, hopes were high for a strong performance in Midlands Three West (South).

In hindsight, there was not much between the sides, as neither looked likely to score wide out with both defences standing firm.

However, the power of Pershore’s eight in the set-pieces ultimately contributed to their success on the night.

The visitors scored two tries in either half and this was not the only aspect that proved similar.

After five minutes, Pershore were awarded a scrum five metres out and their pack drove Upton back.

This persistence and strength led to a score just wide of the posts, which was converted to make it 7-0.

Upton were competitive at the breakdown and were rewarded when Chris O’Neil kicked a penalty to make it 7-3.

Despite this, Upton could not seem to make the advantage over the gain line and after 20 minutes Pershore scored their second try.

This time, they kicked a penalty to touch and, from 10 metres out, set up a maul and drove the home side back to make it 12-3 at half-time.

Upton brought on Andy Ford at the break to add some weight to the side, but this still did not change the course of the game.

They battled at the breakdown but Pershore lived off infringements to score.

Again from a scrum five metres out, the Vale side drove Upton back.

As the hosts seemed to break away from the scrum, the referee gave a penalty try, which was converted to make it 19-3.

Upton struggled to get a try to reward the large home crowd, as Pershore secured themselves a bonus point.

From another line-out 10 metres out, they drove towards the line.

Upton held their opponents up but Pershore recycled, went to the blind side and scored in the corner.

Meanwhile, Newent romped to a 58-13 win at lowly North Bristol in the Tribute Western Counties North.

They entertain Bristol Saracens in the Gloucestershire RFU Intermediate Cup semi-finals on Saturday at the Recreation Ground (2pm).

Meanwhile, Newent’s Becca Dean has has been selected for the Gloucestershire under-18 girls’ team. She also plays hockey for the town.