Newport U14s -v- Upton U14s
North Midlands Plate Final
Sunday 28th April 2024
Score: Newport 29 – 27 Upton
Upton U14s travelled to Droitwich RFC on a dewy Sunday morning for their plate final plate game to face off against fierce competition Newport.
In the many weeks leading up to the plate final game, training was intensified, and the lads focused on their set plays and strengths in order to prepare as best as possible on a proven side whose results so far in the competition had been landslide victories. Prior to the game the Upton team were focused, determined and pumped for the game ahead.
After the first whistle went to start the game, the Upton lads came out like a team possessed… there was no slow start to be seen by the boys and within minutes they found themselves with the ball in the opposition 22. Joe Rees donning his signature red scrum bulldozed through 2 tackles off the back of a ruck and with several bodies hanging off him he stretched out the ball to score.
Joe R converted try, 0:7
The Upton team saw metres made in attack against the Newport side from with special mention to Owen, Simon and Ibz who all consistently made metres over the gain line. However, Newport showed why they had such a good winning record when they got the ball in hand. They utilised very slick hands and created overlaps on the edges of the pitch which eventually saw some very talented Newport players making metres in the open space. In a great bit of backs play the Newport winger got over the line to level the score
Newport Converted try, 7:7
The game was on, the Newport team continued to attack well with big units in the pack but with flankers such as Oscar L and Charlie M they couldn’t find much ground around the fridges of the rucks. This caused Newport to once against ship it wide and use the open spaces to which they worked their way up the pitch again but fortunately there was superb cover tackles coming in from the likes of Oscar D and Cole. When the new port looked for sure like getting up the pitch and over the line a big Newport forward got a long run up and attempted to bulldoze the defensive line only to be met by Marge… Marge proceeded to stop him dead with a textbook front on tackle which also dislodged the ball awarding Upton a scrum. Great tackle.
With some continued attack the Upton team crept further and further up the pitch. Just inside the opposition 22, Max M put a cross field kick over to the hands of Cole R who gathered and fought just meters away from the tryline. With a quick pick and go from the base of the ruck, henry S got even closer… and with Max M giving one more pick and go the ball went over in the far-left corner of the pitch.
Max M converted try, 7:14
With good contests in the centre of the pitch the Upton team managed to force some mistakes from the opposition at the breakdown and took the opportunity to have Max M slot a fantastic penalty kick between the sticks.
Max M pen, 7:17
The Newport team after the penalty regrouped well and sought to use their strengths against the Upton team by utilising their kick hands and firing the ball out into the wide channels to stretch the Upton defence. Through some sustained great play, the Newport got over the line back-to-back just before half time levelling the scores.
Newport unconverted try, 12:17
Newport unconverted try, 17:17
Half Time 17:17
Half time talks were full of praise for both teams and fair score going into the break as both teams were giving it their all. But once against Upton came out firing… forcing Newport to concede a penalty at the ruck for sealing the ball to stop the wave of Upton players fighting to clear over the ball.
Max M pen, 17:20
With subs been made at halftime the squad saw the likes of Jack P come on for Teddy at 15, Ollie C for Cole at 11, Rob for Henry S at 9 and Dan E for Oscar D 14. The backs had a lot of energy to burn. Newport kicked the ball to clear to then have a Dan E run back to go and gather only to run it back straight at them just as fast! The attack saw some great running lines and determination from the pack to make metres. Dan E even burst over the line to score but unfortunately was pulled back for an earlier knock on… even with the disallowed try the team immediately got back into the opposition 22 and pushed over the try line again through Owen.
Owen converted try, 17:27
Newport following the try began to showcase their quality and fitness. Any penalty the team got it resulted in a quick tap and go runs out wide and credit to their number 9 who consistently proved quick ball recycling at the back of every ruck. With this quick ball coupled with strong runners the Newport team put away 2 good tries just taking the lead by a mere 2 points.
Newport unconverted try, 22:27
Newport converted try, 29:27
The Upton team dug deep and fought hard to get over the line. The team earnt a penalty outside of the opposition 22 in the dying minutes which unfortunately just shaved the outside of the left post.
Full time 29:27, Upton u14s come 2nd in the plate final.
Genuinely one of the best games the boys have played in Upton colours. You could pick any player in the squad for that game, and they truly gave it their all. So many outstanding performances… Oscar G was a menace in both attack and defence. Dan W moved the ball faultlessly in attack and showed an incredible defensive display from 10. Max M’s kicking is what kept us in the game with the powerhouse centre bagging 17 points for the day and leading the lads as captain. Man of match had to go to Ibrahim Zafar for his unbelievable performance. Whether it was carrying in attack or acting as a brick wall in defence, to flying through rucks to turnover ball or secure our own. It was a class performance and well deserved.
Great effort and onto the next season! We will be back for that 1st place trophy…
Old Halesonians U14s -v- Upton U14s
North Midlands Plate Semi final
Sunday 17th March 2024
Score: Old Hales U14s 15 – 20 Upton U14s
Upton U14s faced off against Old Halesonians rugby club in the Semifinal plate game.
The conditions were a tad on the wet and muddy side… As shown by the lovely photos from our team photographers Charlotte & Andy during the match. The boggy pitch indicated more of a forwards’ game for the Upton team but just before the game kicked off the sun came out.
Both teams came out of the blocks fierce and fast, the Old Hales team quickly established their intent to use some very hard running ball carriers but credit to Upton the tackles that were going in were immense from the likes of Marge, Oscar L and Joe R – along with the rest of the pack these hits were stopping runs going too far in the early minutes and forcing Old Hales’ mistakes.
At the scrum, front row Simon A, Oscar G and Owen A showed great power to push back the opposition giving an opportunity for the backs to score one of the best tries of the season…
Henry S spun a perfect pass straight into the hands of Dan W who quickly distributed the ball wide to Max M. With their signature loop move Noah and Max M drew the defence to create an overlap on the outside. The ball was popped to Jack P who sprinted down the wing, perfectly drew the last man and popped the ball to the hands of Cole who dived over in the far-left corner to score the first try of the game.
10 mins Cole unconverted try, 0:5
The next try to go over was thanks to the forwards, big metre making carriers from players like Ibz and Henry H pushed the team into the Old Hales 22. After several forward pod runs, Oscar G who had been an absolute terrier in defence and attack sniped over from the base of the ruck to score Upton’s second try.
15 mins Oscar G unconverted try, 0:10
Just before half time saw some continued pressure from the Old Hales team as they chose to tap and go on multiple penalties which proved effective as it caught Upton offside and saw lots of ground being made by the home side. The old Hales team then utilised their number 8 who went on a storming run, breaking three Upton tackles to go over for their first try of the day.
22 mins Old Hales unconverted try, number 8, 5:10
Half time, the Upton team were positive leading into the break and needed the time to catch their breath as the conditions meant running was taking a lot of energy.
After the break the Old Hales team came out sharper as they spun the ball out wide and found gaps in the Upton defence. The home team had pinned the Upton team in their 22 and from some strong forwards carriers and some try line tackles from the Upton team saw the Old hales flanker go over to level the scores.
35 mins Old Hales unconverted try, number 7, 10:10
In a very evenly contested game, the team fought well against each other with fitness being the deciding factor between the two.
Max M slotted a lovely penalty kick from outside the opposition 22.
42mins Max M Penalty Kick, 13:0
With Oscar D having a great game in the first half on the wing he was brought into the centres and the defence in the middle of the pitch was solid. In a great bit of play, the ball was turned over by the Upton team which then saw Max M punt the ball downfield, chase his own kick, fly hack pass the covering player, gather the ball, beat two players and finish under the post to score.
47 mins Max M converted try, 20:10
The Old Hales teams showed real grit and determination as they fought back well which some well worked plays getting up the field then with a few key players runs, their inside centre burst through tackles to score with roughly 5 mins to go.
55 mins Old Hales unconverted try, number 12, 20:15
The Upton team continued to press and defend their lead. With the match finishing after 60 mins in an even contest with a very strong team.
Full time 15-20 Upton u14s beat Old Hales away.
Overall, a great game to watch and credit to a very strong Old Hales side.
Onto the Plate final!!
Worcester U14s -v- Upton U14s
Sunday 3rd March 2024
Score: Worcester 0 – 28 Upton
Upton U14s travelled to Worcester RFC for their quarter final plate game.
Originally set to be played at Hanley castle the Upton team had to concede their home advantage due to a waterlogged pitch and a need for the game to go ahead before the cup deadline of 3rd March, this being said you wouldn’t have been able to tell… The lads looked focused, determined and ready to take on fierce rivals Worcester who they have faced on multiple occasions in very even games.
The game started with great intensity after Upton kicked off and physically dominated the opposition in defence and quickly turned over the ball.
With some slick hands from the back line Dan W drew the Worcester defence and popped the ball to Max M on a hard line and he sliced through just 1 min 35 seconds into the game to score a try.
Max M converted try, 0:7
Worcester fought back after the try and were very competitive at the breakdown however Upton showed great ruck speed from the likes of Oscar G, Marge and Joe R to retain possession in attack.
Upton’s hard carries from the forwards steadily made meters up the pitch with special mention to key carriers such as Owen A, Simon A, Henry H and Ibrahim Z.
This secured great field position for the backs who were allowed to run well worked moves to stretch the Worcester defence thanks to great quick ball from the hands of Henry S.
One backs move involved the 2 Upton centres as the ball flowed down the line and Noah W popped the ball to Max M on a loop play created a 2:1 down the wing which saw space open up for the inside centre who stepped through the remainder of the back field to score Upton’s 2nd try.
16 mins Max M converted try, 0:14
It was a good day to be a back with the ball finding the wide channels in the hand of Oscar D who consistently made ground and on the other side towards the end of second half Cole R practically ran half the pitch thanks to another well worked backs move but was just caught by a great cover tackle from the Worcester fullback.
In defence there were some huge tackles going in from all the team whether it be in the forwards or the backs. Special mention to Oscar Lane who was consistently chopping people down like trees and from the backs some very well executed cover tackles from the likes of Teddy P… and a tap tackle.
At half time the coaches were singing the team’s praises but insisted the team keep their heads in the game as the second half approached.
Just like the start of the first half the Upton team came out of the blokes firing. They began to concede some penalties in the form of high tackles and offsides but quickly got their act together.
Through some powerful multiple metre making runs one after another from Henry H and Ibrahim the team found themselves up in the Worcester half with ease. The Upton Pack proved too strong in the scrums with front row Owen A, Oscar G and Ollie R occasionally stealing Worcester ball. At one scrum with some good passing from the base from Rob M it was a repeat of the first try with a bursting hard line from Max M only this time with Noah W drawing the defence to open a gap from his teammate who went on to run half the pitch and score under the posts
32 mins Max M converted try 0:21
The Upton team continued the constant pressure on the Worcester team as all the subs were being made and in the 40th min Henry H was rewarded for his multiple hard runs all game and ploughed his way through tackles to score a well-earned try which was then converted by a impressive angle by Max M.
Henry H converted try 0:28
The lads saw the game through to the end and maintained a solid defence throughout and achieved a clean sheet against very strong opponents.
Full time 0-28 Upton u14s beat Worcester away.
Overall, we conceded 8 penalties to Worcester 4s. The boys had a fantastic game and it was a pleasure to see the lads put into practise what had been trained on the Malvern astro turf for the past couple weeks. Onto the Semi Finals!
Upton RFC U14s -v- Newent RFC U14s
Sunday 8th October 2023
Score: Upton U14s 13 – 12 Newent U14s
An even contest down to the wire.
The team’s second match of the season and another home game for Upton on a sunny October morning. Newent pushed Upton hard in the first 20 minutes, making camp in our 22 and a try seemed inevitable. But Upton, with a large group of players unavailable, gradually forced their way out and Jack did well to put in some great clearances. Upton eventually found themselves in the opposition 22 and made the most of a mistake from Newent to allow Jack to slot a penalty though and against the run of play make it 3-0 to Upton. This seemed to galvanise Upton and our forwards won back to back scrums against the head. Eventually Oscar Denley broke through a determined defence to make it 8-0, Jack unfortunately missed the conversion, but Upton were finding momentum and Dan Wicks, playing at flyhalf, really started to open up the attack. Upton had a few boys in irregular positions due to the injury list, but Oliver usually playing in the scrum really stepped up at 13, making some hard hits and lovely runs. Another was Bryan playing in his first match for Upton he was everywhere and very unlucky not to score a try, but his tackling and rucking were an exciting look at the depth we have in the U14s.
Oscar D was unlucky not to score a second try dropping just short and the pack were held up to keep this a very tight game, eventually Okami spun and jinked his way through a crowded defence to score out wide. Jack missed the conversion, but Upton seemed to be on a roll! But Newent had other ideas and ran in two great tries from their own half leaving our defence bewildered, the first of the tries was comfortably converted but in the dying seconds of the match Newent pulled their conversion wide and the final whistle was drowned out by the cheers from the relieved Upton lads. This was a hard fought game against a team we haven’t played before, Newent fought hard right up to the last minute with no replacements and a few injuries they really pushed Upton.
Upton RFC U14s -v- Tewkesbury RFC U14s
Sunday 1st October 2023
Score: Upton RFC U14s 40 – 0 Tewkesbury RFC U14s
A solid performance.
The first match of the season got off to a flyer, playing at home and with a great turn out from the boys. Upton U14’s scored a try in the first minute of the match, Max powered through the opposition for the first 5 points, which he quickly turned into 7 by converting his own try. Oscar Denley added a further five points with another successful conversion from Max. Upton were picking up momentum and have a formidable pack, driving Tewkesbury back in the scrum and rucks, eventually being rewarded for some very powerful play to see Oscar Green drive through under the posts and yet again Max stepped up to slot a further 2 points. Tewkesbury suffered some difficult injuries and half time was a welcome break for both teams.
The second half carried on where the first half left off, Upton’s replacements stepped up and continued to take the fight to Tewkesbury. Once again reward for their hard work with another two tries by Max which he converted to make it 35-0.
The last quarter and Tewkesbury didn’t back off, taking it to Upton and pushing hard for a score, but against the turn of play Cole darted over to make it 40-0. Teddy stepped up for the conversion, but it drifted wide. Tewkesbury then threw everything at Upton, but the boys should be proud of a solid and tireless defence to walk away with a clean sheet. The score didn’t reflect the hard work and dedication Tewkesbury put into the match, we look forward to the rematch.
Upton U16s-v- Kings Norton U16s
Sunday 23rd April 2023
Score: 19-17
A great way to finish the Under 16s 2022/23 season, a nail biting 19-17 win in a very even game away at Kings Norton.
It was great to get ahead early, but even at 19-0 it never felt like we were safe. The second half was very tight…definitely the most pleasing element was the effort & desire from the boys to hold on at the end and earn the defensive turnover with the last play.
It was great to play a team we hadn’t played before, and it to be in a really even game, and even better to come out the right side of a tight result!
Thanks as always to the support on the side-lines, you could really hear & feel it in a tight game 👏🏻
Under 16s Head Coach, Owain Jugessur
Video Highlights
Upton RFC U10s -v- Worcester RFC U10s
Sunday 23rd April 2023
Score: Not recorded
The final game of the 2022-23 season was played in the shadow of the famous Sixways stadium against Worcester RFC.
The Upton team has developed and learned a lot this season and the players’ performances showed signs of real quality, understanding and determination.
After struggling in the first 15 minutes to get into the game the boys settled into their stride and by combining some terrifically resolute defending with electric pace and power on the break, they clawed back the early deficit and in the final third of the game they moved fully into the ascendency.
What was most heartening was that all players contributed to the victory. Rupert and Jasper scored their first tries; Louis, Max, Ted and Euan also crossed the line… the latter twinkle-toed pair on multiple occasions. In defence the tackling was tigerish, bullish and feverish from all and several times the boys in black and white held Worcester up on the line and repelling them at every turn, drawing raptures of applause from admiring parents and coaches.
Although the exact score was unrecorded, it’s doubtless that Upton won the game. with both sides in double figures. A worthy victory from a team that has grown in strength and resilience throughout the season finishing on a high ready to take on the next season!
Upton U14s -v- Tewkesbury Tigers U14s
Friday 10th February 2023
Score: Upton U14 39 – 10 Tewkesbury Tigers U14
Upton U16-v- Old Halesonians U16
North Midlands Junior Plate Quarter Final, Under 16
Sunday 29th January 2023
Score: Upton U16 31 – 10 Old Halesonians U16
Upton U16’s were drawn against Old Halesonians U16 at home in the Quarter Final of the North Midlands Junior plate.
After an extended break without a fixture due to flooding and frozen pitches, Upton hosted Old Halesonians on what turned out to be a great Sunday morning of Rugby.
In an evenly contested first half, Upton went into the break 14-5 ahead, after tries by scrum half Adam Nions and centre Dylan Tame. Both converted by Lewis Jugessur.
In the second half, Upton built a commanding lead with three more tries by Ollie Dobbin, Callum Letties and Jed Daffin, with one further conversion by Lewis Jugessur.
To their credit Old Halesonians kept pushing and managed to score an unconverted try with the last play of the game to give a final score of 31-10 to Upton.
From an Upton perspective it was really positive morning – with a squad of 19 players available, every single player had an integral part to play in the game and win, it was a real ‘team’ performance.
Old Halesonians were a pleasure to host, their players and coaches were a credit to their club – we wish them the best of luck for the rest of the season.
Upton now progress to the plate Semi-finals, details to follow once the fixture has been scheduled.
Upton U13s-v- Old Pats (Friday night floodlit match)
Friday 2nd December 2022 (change date here accordingly)
Score: 5:5
First half:
0-1
1-1 Max McLeod – A run from your own 22 is never sniffed at, how this man managed to stay on his feet the entire time I will never know.
2-1 Max McLeod – A Quick penalty 5 metres out saw the captain knock over two opposition players to score a screamer of a try.
2-2
3-2 Oscar Green – After putting in a massive hit on an opposition and dislodging the ball, Oscar followed up with a great ball pickup and stormed over the line.
Second Half:
4-2 Max McLeod – Another quick penalty and Max soared over the try line before the opposition knew what hit them.
4-3
4-4
4-5
5-5 Noah Walker – A beautiful piece of play saw the ball come to Noah, as we were screaming for him to pass, he ran over 2 opposition as if they weren’t there to score the equalling try.
- Oscar Green – He is a dynamic forward, fast, strong and ruthless in the contact area, he really showed us what he was about in this game.
- Will Bond – Good Support runs and had a great shift on the wing.
- Joe Rees – So strong on the ball, you could see the fear in the oppositions eyes as he ran like a steam train.
- Noah Walker – As a new player this season Noah has stood out as a real powerhouse, He doesn’t miss tackles, he always runs hard and he has the game sense of a true rugby player.
- Max McLeod – As captain he really stepped up his game, never a dull moment with ball in hand, playing as if he was 10 years older, tries to prove his effort and tenacity for the team. Excellent game.
- Archie Holmes – Moving from Prop to hooker we saw this lad shine, really forms an impeccable front row.
- Will Simons – Cracking defence and ran like the flash down the wings.
- Tom Simons – This lad could tackle a bison; his game was faultless.
- Cole Thompson-Rone – Stayed on for practically the entire game as we didn’t want to lose his scrum half ability, outstanding ability to control the game with linking the forwards and backs.
- Kerem Selcuk – When Kerem came on in the second half, his presence was noted by the oppositions, on several occasions we witnessed him clearing out 3 guys from a ruck on his own accord.
- Ibrahim Zafar – Every time this lad had the ball there is wake of destruction following behind.
- Szymon Adamowski – New this season, Szymon has really left his mark, this game truly showed how much of a powerhouse he can be.
- Robert Morrissey – Robert has moved from the backs this season into the forwards, and in this game we can see why. He can prop, tackle and clear out rucks like a snow plough. Best game we have ever seen Robert play.
- Ollie Chilvers – Blink and you’ll miss him, his lightning feet saw him step most defenders every time he caught the ball.
- Teddy Philips – Genuinely faultless game, made several desperate tackles, he ran lines only seen on at much higher levels and his game sense is exquisite, unfortunate to see him come off injured.
- Jack Percival – Aggressive in attack and great technique in defence, shame for him come off injured.
- Owen Attwood – True leader of the forwards, cracking strength in the scrum, absolute unit with ball in hand, I often saw 2 or 3 people hanging off his shoulders.
- Okami – Okami has only played a couple games for us so far this season and his impact was immediately noticed, in this game he never slipped a tackle and with ball in hand is a side-stepping monster.
- Dan Wicks – Dan has only played a couple games for us so far this season, you wouldn’t believe it watching him though, he tackled like a truck and ran like a bat out of hell. Can’t wait to see how he improves in the future.
Starting 13:
- Szymon Adamowski
- Oscar Green
- Owen Attwood
- Ibrahim Zafar
- Tom Simons
- Joe Rees
- Cole Thompson-Rone
- Max McLeod
- Will Simons
- Noah Walker
- Jack Percival
- Okami
- Teddy Philips
Subs:
- Archie Holmes
- Robert Morrissey
- Kerem Selcuk
- Ollie Chilvers
- Will Bond
Bredon Under 16s -v- Upton Under 16s
Sunday 13th November 2022
Score: Bredon Star U16 31 – 0 Upton U16
Upton U16’s played Bredon Star U16’s in the North Midlands Youth Cup
Upton were handed a tough draw, being drawn against last year’s beaten Cup finalists Bredon.
A battling & physical performance by Upton, they matched a very good Bredon side for long periods of the game. But in the end, the superior accuracy of the Bredon side meant they deservedly came out on top, scoring some very well constructed tries. But the Upton team can be proud of their performance, both individually and collectively, fronting up to make it as tough as possible for Bredon, and keeping going until the final whistle.
Upton will now enter the North Mids Youth Plate Competition, with a home draw vs Oswestry in the preliminary round. Details to follow once the fixture has been scheduled. Good luck to Bredon in the next round of the Cup competition.
Upton Under 12s -v- Malvern Under 12s
Friday 11th November 2022
Upton Under 12s took on Malvern under floodlights as part of a series of Junior Friday night floodlit games raising funds for the Under 14s and Under 16s forthcoming tour to Holland.
It was the first Friday night game for the Under 12s who put their all into the game against local club Malvern RFC.
With a crew of volunteers manning (and womanning!) the bar an BBQ a fun night was had by all.
Well done to the Under 12s!
