UPTON forward Mark Welsh is to be reported to Yorkshire League officials following a clash with the referee during the controversial match against Selby Warriors.

The prop had the altercation with the referee towards the end of the match, with the official thereafter bringing about a premature end to the bad-tempered division three affair.

The Warriors were trailing 12-10 at the time, but they are unlikely to take the matter further.

Upton secretary David Baddeley said no punches were thrown at the referee but confirmed Welsh had to be restrained by his team-mates and, despite apologising to the referee after the match, he could now face a lengthy ban.

Baddeley said there was no bad blood between the teams after the game, but both sides admitted it was a feisty affair, claiming the referee ultimately lost control of the game.

The Warriors stunned Upton with a second-minute try, the ball going through five pairs of hands before Anthony Hunter touched down.

By half-time, though, Upton had scored two tries and one conversion to lead 10-4.

Just after the restart, Upton added a penalty before Selby hit back with a superb try.

An angled kick from Mark Hanson, who had an excellent game, saw Wayne Fennel gather the ball and score under the posts, converting the try to make it 12-10.

The game was bad-tempered throughout, however, including an incident involving Welsh near the start of the match, with two players from either side, including Selby captain Sean Barker, also being sent off.

And with the Warriors pressing and looking for a winning score, the referee decided enough was enough and blew for full-time.

Best for Selby in a good all-round display were Andy Rowe, Richard Burden, Bob Hardy and Matt Huddlestone.

This Saturday Selby entertain Normanton.

Meanwhile, Paul Paterson is set to quit as the Warriors' club secretary after 12 years in the job due to work commitments.

Anyone who is interested in taking up this role should contact Paul on 01757-704761.

The club are also on the look-out for new committee members.

Updated: 12:27 Thursday, March 07, 2002