Police add shield to trophy haul

On the final weekend of domestic rugby, the weather did not disappoint at Police Field.

The men’s final of the Nichol Shield saw the seven’s tournament champions and league winners Police go up against in-form Renegades.

The ’Gades won the same competition the previous year and given their squad experience and current form could arguably have been regarded as favourites going into the match.

The crowd was not disappointed as both teams made clear their attacking intent throughout the game with Police tries by Corbus Vermaak (2), Dan Cole, Neville Zuill and Tommy Edwards. 

Renegades responded with tries from Rich Cumbers, Peter Dunkerley and Alex Donkervoet. 

Both kickers also ensured that their kicking was accurate during the match as every point counted. 

Police fly-half Darryn Gillespie scored three conversions to keep their noses in front, even by the slenderest of margins, as Renegades’ Rich Cumbers made sure his penalty and two conversions maintained the pressure.

Finally, towards the middle of the second half, Police were able to exert control and close out the game to claim their fourth piece of silverware this season with a final score of 31-22.

The women’s Scully Cup final was next and saw the Renegades and Mariners go head to head. 

The Mariners rampaged ahead and secured a well-deserved win despite the spirited play of the Renegades. Mariners scored five tries through Neeks Boden (3), Alexis Barker and Gina Newson. The Renegade’s only try came courtesy of Orla Haplin. 

In the opening match of the day, Bermuda Rugby’s final domestic day of rugby commenced with a game between the Bermuda Under-19s and Brown University, who are visiting the island from Rhode Island, USA, for a three match test-series against Bermuda’s Invitational teams. 

Bermuda started off brightly with some good lines of running and big tackles. Chakote Wainwright-Basden scored after a well-worked team try that saw quick, skilful passing and strong running by all those involved. 

After some good pressure by Bermuda and some great defensive work by the forwards, Micah Perozzi scored an intercept try before half-time. 

At the start of the second half Bermuda created a superb score for Kemal Easton after a solid scrum on the half-way line.

However, as with all rugby games, the ebb and flow of the match was clear to see as Brown University wisely used their bench to provide added strength and fitness to their attack. 

The head coach of Bermuda’s Under-19s Donal Moynihan said: “It was a great performance by the squad, but the heat, the fact that it was our first game of the season and the opposition emptying their bench meant it was a true game of two halves. Excellent heart and character shown.”

The final score was Bermuda 19-34 Brown University.