Rugby: Police to meet ‘Gades in Nichol Shield final

Police 33 Mariners 22

Police overcame early jitters and  a first-half 10-point deficit to advance to the Nichol Shield final. 

The hard-fought victory earned them the chance at the “triple” after already clinching the league and sevens trophies.

Mariners came to play and had a promising start with their forwards playing particularly robustly.

However Police team depth, back-line experience and the tenacity of scrum-half John Stathakis around the fringes proved the difference.

Police scorers

Tries: Patrick Graham, Guerhardt Lamprecht (2), John Stathakis (2).

Darryn Gillespie (3 conversions), Dan Cole (1 conversion).

Mariners scores

Tries: Ian Frith (2), Dustin Archibald.

Rory Dublin (1 penalty and 2 conversions).

Renegades 42- Teachers 3

Renegades completely dominated a weakened Teachers squad suffering from a late-season injury blight.

The Reds had to scrape the barrel to just field a team, with several veterans coming out to support their beleaguered side. Dave Cook, William McNiven and Alvin Harvey all donned club colours in order to field a side.

‘Gades standoff Richard Cumbers had a stellar day, scoring 17 of his side’s points. 

The Renegades played a very balanced attack with the forwards driving off the set pieces and setting up a good  platform for their very aggressive and physical backline to attack from. 

Renegades enter the Nichol Shield final as current holders and on recent form must be considered favourites.

Renegades scores

Tries: Penalty try, Rich Cumbers (2), Paul Dobinson, Alex Donkervoet,  John Quigley, Greg Garside.

Rich Cumbers 1 penalty and 2  conversions.

Teachers scores

Shauntino “Puppy” Simmons consolation try and conversion.

Renegades 2 - Police 0

Rebekah Kasumu scored both tries for Renegades in the women’s Scully Cup in a big upset. 

Runaway league winners Police were taught a lesson on the dangers of being overconfident and under-prepared by a fired-up and hungry ‘Gades squad.

Mariners 1 - Teachers 0

Neeks Borden scored the lone  Mariners try to eke out win for the Greens with a determined effort.

Both finals are at Police Field this Saturday.