Teachers' ladies and men's team enjoy a double victory

The Renegades ladies retained their 100 per cent league record after a clinical first-half performance put them in control against Police on Saturday and left the opposition with no chance of a comeback.

The ‘Gades were rampant, scoring five first-half tries.

Laura Haynes grabbed three, while Nicky Jones and Maria Dobinson scored one each.

Police tightened things up in the second half, pulling a try back through Carmien Cloete.

Renegades had the last say though and Melissa Field sprinted clear down the wing to finish off an emphatic 6-1 win.

The other ladies game was also won with a magnificent first half burst, with Teachers posting their second victory of the campaign thanks to Katie Wright’s virtuoso performance.

She was almost untouchable as she tore the Mariners defence to shreds, bagging four tries.

The second half saw Mariners plug the gaps and Lisa Henderson and Gina Newson each scored a try — but it wasn’t enough to stop Teachers triumphing 4-2.

Mariners’ men’s squad did not make the most of their possession and territory against Teachers.

It’s the mark of a fine team that they can spend a lot of the game on the back foot, absorbing pressure and tackling themselves to a standstill, yet still manage to win — and Teachers are certainly that.

Mariners had many excellent phases but were missing that final pass and an Andy Boyce penalty was the only score of the first half as they led 3-0.

Boyce missed a kickable penalty early in the second half and Teachers took full advantage, marching up the pitch before Mariners were caught offside.

Greg Fraser made the penalty to pull it level and then pushed Teachers ahead with another after Mariners were caught with their hands in the ruck.

Nail-biter

The only try of the game went to David Porter, who was on hand to collect Thomas Greenslade’s pop after Greenslade caught the defence flat-footed with a break from the base of a ruck. Fraser converted to hand his side a 13-3 win.

The second men’s match was a thrilling nail-biter between Renegades and Police, with the lead changing hands no less than six times. Dan Cole continued his superb season by opening the scoring, getting over in the corner.

Renegades came back though and a powerful running game put them deep in Police territory on numerous occasions.

Twice they forced Police infringements and both times Ian Henderson punished them by slotting the penalties.

Mohamed Dao pushed them further ahead after a great run out wide to score, leaving Renegades 11-5 ahead at half-time.

Police went back in front after Tommy Edwards converted Darren Richardson’s try but Conor McGlynn pounced on a chip through to edge Renegades back in the lead, with Henderson adding the extras.

Edwards then injured himself scoring Police’s third try after Ralshon Douglas created space with a super run and offload.

David Pringle hammered over the conversion to put Police back ahead 19-18.

A Henderson penalty saw the lead change hands again but Police found an extra gear and won two late penalties, both of which Pringle made successfully as the team won an epic match 25-21.

There are no league fixtures on Saturday but there will be second team rugby at Sommerfield Academy on Friday from 6.30pm. League action resumes on November 27. The Bermuda Select XV will play at Rugby Classic on Wednesday, November 10, at 5.45pm against a Lloyd’s RFC side from London. The next local action will be the first club day of the season, the Mariners Spirit Day on November 20.