Even though Teachers won this match easily, the scoreline still flattered Mariners who would have conceded several more tries and would not have scored half of their points had they not been allowed to scrummage unopposed after 20 minutes of play.

Up to that point, losing almost every scrum to a powerful Teachers' eight had demoralised their forwards. But once Mariners failed to substitute an injured prop, referee Dennis Dwyer had no option but to order unopposed scrums for safety reasons, even though under the current rules Mariners had to forfeit the league points as they had no substitute front row player.

Teachers scored six tries in the first half through forward driving and great support play by their backs. Freedom Burrows and Jeff Sangster notched two each while Ross Webber crossed untouched from a scrum and Heath Robinson scored the first after a clever break by centre Alvin Harvey.

Following a half-time score of 34-0, the best try was still to come from Anthony Cupidore who crossed after superb interpassing between Pat Cooper, Burrows, Brian Desmond and Craig McIntyre, who enjoyed his best game for Teachers this season.

Mariners started the second half with renewed vigour when Rob Morgan, playing out of position as a back row forward, picked up on a handling error between Harvey and Webber and raced for a try under the posts.

Teachers were now 41-7 up and the inevitable relaxation gave Danny McGavern an opportunity to cross for another try.

For Mariners, Josh McGavern defended bravely but never had enough possession to work with. For Teachers, Henry Adderley, Pat Drea and Bobby Hurdle worked tirelessly in the forwards.

Renegades 39 Police 20 Police battled back from a 17-0 deficit after 25 minutes to get within two points of Renegades early in the second half with spirited performances from Alan Oliver and his forwards, in particular Dave Bird and Tom Steinoff.

However, the Blues were no match in the backs for the speedy Greg Garside (one try) and Colin Targett who nabbed three.

Police did enjoy a purple patch midway through the second half, crossing for two tries, both masterminded by Oliver. But Renegades replied with two of their own through Targett and Garside that left their opponents deflated.

With the score at 27-20, Gareth Davies then nipped in for a cheeky try only to be countered by a Shane Gill try from a scrum and Targett's final try after poor tackling.

In second XV action, both Police and Mariners forfeited their matches to Renegades and Teachers respectively after failing to raise a team. No further matches are scheduled until the New Year when the annual youth game kicks off on Sunday, January 2 at 3.00 p.m. League play resumes on January 8.