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On the eve of the Rugby World Cup final between England and South Africa local players donned their kits in early kick offs to allow every on to enjoy what has been an exciting and successful World Cup.

The first game saw undefeated Police take on the dangerous Mariners squad still seeking it first victory of this year's campaign after losing to Renegades last week end 24-5.. Greens coach Joann Oosthuizen has been working miracles with the raw talent that he has been provided with and it is not through lack of effort or commitment that have denied his side the success they richly deserve. Mariners were bolstered by the presence of visiting player Richard Berendt who plays in England for the Newcastle Falcon colts side. In perfect conditions the game started off with both sides showing plenty of commitment up front and a desire to set up a solid forwards platform to attack from. Police made early in roads with their power full front row of Mickey Stokes, Andrea Battison and Jamie Billings putting their opposite numbers under intense pressure. Police looked to open the scoring when their scrum stole one against the head and released their experienced back row. Nice interplay between Joel Blyde and Kenny O'Shea up the blind side released scrum half Nick Superina who was pulled down inches short of the line by Mariners winger Lars Jensen. Police continued to dominate territorially early on and were unlucky not to capitalize on a penalty against Berendt for not releasing but vice-captain Dave Bird pushed the makeable penalty wide. The boys in blue began to get into their rhythm and soon their vaunted "pod" structured play began to make in-roads. Without a recognized penalty kicker Police opted to punt for touch and position. An excellent short lineout set piece saw the ball majestically plucked out of the air by Mark Robinson and a good series of driving mauls resulted in Nick Superina driving over from close to open the scoring. Captain Jamie Webb missed the conversion. With a 5-0 lead, Police appeared to go off the boil and Mariners responded with fantastic runs by Richard Holden and Richard Brown; both of whom were denied scores by scything tackles from Jonathan Cassidy who put in an inspired defensive performance. Mariners continued to probe but could not fine the key to unlock the resolute Police defense. Mariner's winger Erceg Sinisha looked to break the game open and his dangerous break down the touchline was halted by yet another Cassidy bone jarring tackle. Mariners had the tails up and a text book lineout take and drive saw Ian Bawd held up over the line. Mariners were definitely in the ascendency when disaster struck. Against the run of play and from deep in the own end Police unleashed an explosive counter attack from a quick tap free kick awarded for an infringement in the scrum. The visionary Cassidy broke free and after expertly drawing his man, fed Ralshon Douglas who dashed over the half way line before popping to a supporting Warren Bundy. Bundy proved too strong for the desperate covering defense and powered through two would be tacklers to finish a thrilling length of the field move. Webb missed the conversion but his side went into the half with a fortuitous 10-0 lead. The second half started off at a frenetic pace with Mariners once again dominating both territorially and in possession. Police appeared content to sit back and defend their slim lead. They were indeed fortunate that the Mariners scrum half knocked the ball over the try line after a series of 5 meter penalties. Mariners were given very kickable penalties by Referee Keith Hodgkin but inexplicably turned the opportunities down. Time and time again Mariners lack of experience came to light with naive mistakes and poor finishing ending promising play. Police were solid in defense and were not really tested. A stout Nick West tackle which floored Ian Bowd epitomized the dogged determination displayed by the undefeated Police team. Mariner's were granted a life line with 15 minutes to go when Police center Dave Stephenson was yellow carded for a high tackle. With the extra man Mariners began to look more enterprising. Full back Berendt attempted to put his mark on the game with a scintillating counter attack he brushed past the first line of defenders and was looking to finally finish off a successful attack when he was stopped by a fantastic open field tackle by Police scrumhalf Mike Arbuthnot. Unfortunately Brerendt had to be helped off the field with a suspected broken ankle. However his desperate charge gave Mariners a good example of how to attack and shortly afterwards some good hands out wide saw Lars Jensen power through a weak Mike Kane tackle to score in the corner. Holden made the difficult conversion to close the gap to 10-7. In the closing 5 minutes Mariners once again turned down two kickable penalties and went down to their fourth consecutive defeat. Mariners Coach Oosthuizen will find little consolation in the bonus point awarded to his side for losing by less than 7 points. Meanwhile Police remain undefeated and on top of the league.

In the second match of the day Teachers took on last years runaway league champions Renegades. In an ugly bad tempered affair veteran referee John Weale had his hands full. A turbulent opening quarter saw Teachers put themselves under pressure with silly mistakes and wrong options. Entertaining running from Renegades wingers Colin Keane and Darragh O'Donnoghue was complemented by astute positional kicking from Tom Healy. Teachers' full back Daniel Morgan found himself under constant pressure but he had a strong game and consistently cleared his lines well with safe kicking. Renegades number eight Peter Dunkerley marshaled his forwards and under his leadership they began to make ground. After several phases and exceptional ball retention skill Renegades were awarded a penalty when Bobby Hurdle was pulled up for handling in the ruck. South African Paul Waldburger slotted the penalty for an early 3-0 lead. From the ensuing kick off the relentless Renegades pinned Teachers deep in their own half with some smart tactical kicking. Once again indiscipline cost the Reds when Andrew Hook was called up for being offside. Waldburger knocked over the 40 meter penalty to further his sides lead to 6-0. Both teams went through a purple patch with the standard of play improving. An outrageous side step by Tom Healy left Teachers winger grasping for air and the West Indies star was cruising towards the try line when he was hauled down from behind by his opposite number David Porter. Teachers managed to clear their line but one could sense a growing under current of frustration in the Reds play. Teacher's flanker Andrew Hook responded with some strong running- his now trademark mop of hair flowing in the breeze but the Reds lacked cohesion and continuity in their forays. The half time whistle went with 'Gades up 6-0. The second half started sprightly enough with Renegades prop come center Conor McGlynn's bollocking run up the middle setting the tone. The golden curled McGlynn has shed some weight this season and is becoming a force to be reckoned with. Once again Renegades displayed superior ball retention skill and the Teachers level of frustration was becoming palatable. Andrew Hook was sin-binned for a sly and some what cynical trip on Healy which was spotted by eagle eyed referee Weale. This needless penalty blotted an otherwise stellar performance by one of Bermuda's rising young stars. Waldburger failed to convert the penalty. Chris Naylor managed to knock over a mid range penalty kick to close the gap to 6-3. Discipline by both sides began to disintegrate and a stunned audience saw the first red card of the season issued to a truculent David Porter. The diminutive Porter lost his composure and was caught punching the robust Renegade prop Jessup Jones. Referee Weale had no choice but to send Porter off. With Teachers down to 13 men Renegades appeared to have the game in the bag. Unfortunately the game devolved into a dour affair with a litany of handling errors and bad tempers flaring up. When Renegades flanker Conrad Hichley was yellow carded for flagrant and repeat offending Teachers fought there way back into the game. Unfortunately Chris Naylor's once magical kicking foot disappeared again and he missed several kickable penalties that could have stolen the game for his side. Renegades stand-off Waldburger in the dying seconds of the game struck a speculative drop goal to extend the lead to 9-3. The final whistle gave relief to the spectators as it ended what arguably was the ugliest 1st division game in recent memory with neither side showing the attacking flair that they are capable of.[[In-content Ad]]

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