Gavin Corcoran's try two minutes before the final whistle was all it took to lift Mariners to an 18-17 victory over Police in a rivetting finish to the Nicholl Shield final at National Sports Club yesterday.

Mariners were trailing 17-13 for most of the second half until Corcoran's effort handed his side their second consecutive title in the competition.

"I'm glad I didn't drop it this time,'' Corcoran said afterwards. "I've dropped quite a few opportunities since I came back from injury but this is the sweetest try I have ever scored.

"I hope next time I don't leave it this late.'' Yesterday's final had all the elements of a good end-of-season clash -- drama, gritty determination and intense action.

Prop Dave Lunn put the Blues ahead 5-0 after 23 minutes when he went over from close range.

Ian Jameison added two more with a conversion but Mariners levelled the score two minutes later with a converted try from Simon Turner.

Greens stalwart Declan O'Laughlin broke the 7-7 deadlock with two penalties to put them ahead 13-7 at the half.

Police prop Dan Cozens brought the Blues within a point when he zipped over the line five minutes into the second half after they won a line out two yards from Mariners' end zone.

Police number eight Dave Bird increased their lead by five more points for a 17-13 score in the 13th minute. The game's complexion changed frequently after that with both sides venturing close but unable to score.

In the 38th minute Police were penalised three yards from their own try line.

During the ensuing maul, Dave Conway switched the ball to the left side of the pack where O'Laughlin was waiting.

After committing Police winger Troy Glasglow, he fed Corcoran who scampered into the end zone.

"I knew we had them in the backs,'' Mariners' skipper Keith Beattie said.

"But they had a big set of forwards. It was a hot day and we tried to run their pack around as much as possible.

"Our whole purpose was to try to shut them down. Their pack became tired after a while because you can't push guys that size all day.

"I'm really at a loss for words. We only won the competition for the first time last season. We couldn't be happier.'' Police were without Alan Oliver, who suffered ligament damage to his left foot.

Teachers Second XV completed a double after winning the Rothman's Shield competition yesterday as well as the Second team league. They defeated Police 38-0 in the Rothman's final.

Meantime, in an awards ceremony following the competition, Renegades Stevie Given earned the Amstel Player of the Year award. His team-mates, Des Nash and Magnus Henagulph, won the Sportsmanship and Outstanding Young Player awards respectively.