Upstarts climbed up the table to tie for the number two position last weekend with a victory over the still struggling Chameleons in the men?s hockey league.

The 3-0 victory for Upstarts on Saturday marked the team?s first-ever win over Chameleons.

Winless thus far this season, Chameleons, the long-time league champions, claim they have switched their focus to preparing for a new year and a new venue ? the National Stadium?s impending astroturf.

?We are in the process of rebuilding our team in preparation for the change of surface to astro next year, and are trying to develop a fluid passing game,? said Chameleons? captain Pete Illston.

?Unfortunately the conditions (Saturday) did not really suit the passing game, and Upstarts more direct style of play earned the three points.?

A depleted Upstarts team took to the Saltus pitch on Saturday keen for a win after twice battling Chameleons to a stalemate already this season.

The Chameleons saw the best of the opening 20 minutes but were unable to convert despite some good attacking play.

Chameleons built some nice moves through the midfield unit of Peter Hughes, Peter Illston and new recruit, Saul Kornik which resulted in a flick shot by Jonathan Dodd.

But sadly the effort went just inches wide of the Upstarts post.

A few more chances were created, with Kornink and Stevie Moreton linking up well, but Chameleons were unable to convert their pressure into goals and Upstarts popped back into the game.

Upstarts moved up a gear with Keir Savage and Jon Brunson leading the fight in the midfield, while the ever youthful John Uprichard and Martin Murphy combined to good effect on attack.

Donny Moniz scored the first goal of the game from a short corner with a powerful drive to take Upstarts up 1-0.

Chameleons fought back well and Stevie Morton was unlucky to have a penalty appeal turned down after a clumsy tackle from Neil Carroll.

But the Upstarts defensive unit of Jon Kook, Chris Fern and Rob Hargadon held strong to preserve the slender lead to half-time.

The second half began with strong play from the Upstarts.

Harsha Dias caused constant trouble on the right and his attacking skills soon paid off after his cross was neatly converted by Murphy.

Chameleons increased the intensity of play in an effort to claw a goal back.

But the quality of the final ball was poor and left their forwards with little chance of scoring.

With ten minutes remaining, the dangerous, left-handed Murphy found himself alone at the top of the circle and he finished clinically to put the result beyond doubt.

Upstarts manager, Keir Savage, was typically magnanimous after the game.

?We were always confident we would win today, but not by such a convincing margin,? he said.

With the win, Upstarts edge beside Police Polecats to share second spot in the table ? both teams mired at 14 points behind league leading Rebels at 18.

But Sunday?s game between the Police Polecats and the BCS Panthers was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch so truly the league remains as wide open as ever.