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They used to be known as a drinking team with a serious rugby problem.

But Mariners are revamping their image and their approach as they get serious about winning.

After victory in the season-opening Sandy's Boat Club Tournament at Malabar on Saturday, the club is itching for more success.

And new president Neil Taggart believes last season's bottom club have the right attitude to turn the tables.

Victories over Renegades and Teachers were enough to secure glory for the Mariners at the annual curtain raiser, despite a narrow loss against Police.

"It meant a lot to us to win that tournament. We knew we had improved, but we didn't know if we'd improved enough.

"The turning point, I think, was half-way through last season. The lads got sick of losing and we decided to have a concentrated effort on changing our approach.

"The lads sat down and agreed on things like no drinking before games and it's nice to see it pay off.

"I'm not saying that because we've won this tournament we are automatically going to win the league, but we have a better chance than we did last year."

He said the squad had been through an intensive pre-season fitness programme - put through their paces by task master Sam Glazebrook - a former Mariner and a personal trainer at SeaView Gym.

"Sam organized some sessions for us which have proved to be excellent rugby-specific fitness training. It's also helped with team spirit - the lads are united against the sadism of Sam."

Taggart also believes that Mariners are starting to see the benefits of their youth programme - which has brought through a string of talented Bermudian players, like Kris Furbert and Alan Steynor.

"It started from the difficulty we were having getting the expats. Renegades have got some partners at some of the big insurance firms and they were locking down the best players almost as soon as they got off the plane," said Taggart of the Mariners youth programme.

"A lot of the players that came through that programme went off to college and are only just starting to come back and play for us.

"From our point of view, this season, it's very important that we keep that programme going. Now we have got these young players in the senior squad the incentive is there for them to give back by helping to bring through the next generation."

Taggart believes it will be a close season this year with all four teams within a shout of the title.

The league season starts this weekend with Mariners against Police at 1.30pm and Teachers facing Renegades at 3.45pm. Both games are at Malabar.[[In-content Ad]]

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