UPTON lost 27-5 at Manor Park in the Midlands Four West (South) battle of the 100 per cent records.

Their winning start ended in terrible conditions in Nuneaton as the hosts destroyed Upton in the first half.

Player-manager Rob Heeley said: “Manor Park came at us like a ton of bricks.

“We were missing seven of our first-choice backline but that may have made no difference. Park were well organised from one to 15 and will be disappointed if they don’t win the league this year.

“They could easily cope in the league above and know what it will take having been relegated with us last season.

“We are building for the future and have a longer-term vision. Our target was just to stay up this season so we are delighted with where we are.”

Park chose to go uphill and Upton were undone out wide when the right winger rounded Scott Forward to score.

They were soon 10-0 up when Park kicked a penalty to the corner and drove over from the lineout.

A converted third try soon followed and Park’s centre then ran 60 metres to make the half-time score 22-0. Joe Pantling, in his first start at scrum-half, hit Upton forward runners with debutant Dan Staines standing out, supported by Charlie Abbey.

Upton scored when Chris O’Neil and Nathan Tomkins combined for Abbey to power over but the hosts got a fifth try.

Upton host Redditch in a county derby on Saturday.