'What might have been' for Manor Park after away loss at Upton

Forced into four changes from the squad that last took to the field in a 12-12 draw with Shipston a fortnight ago, Park effectively earned the points haul of a draw as they lost within seven points and scored a four-try bonus point.
Park fell behind after Upton’s openside ran through a gap for a converted score but the lead wasn’t to last long as birthday boy Chris Goode and Stephen Ballard both touched down as the visitors packed a real punch upfront.
However, it was Upton who were ahead at half-time as Upton’s young back rower barrelled over for a brace of tries to give his side a 19-12 advantage.
Upton’s captain and number eight stretched that to 26-12, bagging his side a bonus point in the process and Manor Park had a mountain to climb.
Both teams could feel aggrieved for refereeing decisions up until this point and it was Upton who lost two men to the sinbin.
Park responded with tries from Will Woodward and Joe Reynolds to close the gap to level the scores, assisted by a wonderful touchline conversion from Chris Morewood – who kicked three of the four conversions on offer for his side.
But further penalties, some of them erring onto the side of inexplicable, were awarded the hosts way and two confident penalty kicks earned Upton the win.
Captain Goode said after the game: “It was a case of what could of been today. A few different decisions from the official and ourselves, to be fair, we could be looking at five points.
“We’ve got to take the positives from the day. With 30 plus players unavailable we’ve come away from Upton with two points, the best we’ve done in recent years, and the second team have had a big, big win against Atherstone.
“Each and every one of the lads who were involved are a credit to the club and hold your heads high!
“We now move onto Alcester at home on Saturday in another big match for us.”