UPTON’S bright start to the Midlands Two West (South) season came unstuck with a 68-14 hammering at a fastpaced Dunlop side who were relegated last season.
Having struggled with injuries for all of last season, the Coventry side have got their squad back fully-fit and demonstrated power and pace in this rout.
The first-half saw Upton struggle for possession and they were constantly on the defensive.
They only missed six tackles before the interval but on all occasions Dunlop scored converted tries to make the score at the interval 42-0.
Max MacFarlane never took a backward step at blindside flanker but, with further injuries to Luke Boulton and scrum-half Luke Cooke, Upton were playing with what seemed like 13 men.
Dunlop scored a seventh try but Upton started to get hold of the ball with Chris Thomas, James Hynes, Rob Heeley and Chris O’Neil driving forward.
With 20 minutes to go, Alex Pimlow scythed through the home defence to score a converted try and soon after the same player raced in for his second effort with the extras again added.
However, in the last 10 minutes, Dunlop scored three more tries.
Newent are the early leaders in Gloucester Division One after their second consecutive win.
The Watery Lane side saw off Cheltenham Saracens 28- 16 on their travels.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here