against The Rest by watching a video of the man the game is named after in action.

The Reds ended their final practice by watching Hurdle, who died tragically young at the age of 28, playing in the now defunct Easter Classic in 1983. One of the viewers was nephew Bobby Hurdle, now an important member of the Bermuda national team.

No. 8 Hurdle, a key man in the Teachers line-out, said: "It was great just to see him play and the way they played then -- it just gives you a different view. It's a good inspiration ahead of the game.'' Hurdle, who missed last year's contest with a broken collar bone sustained in the 1997 World Rugby Classic, is back to strengthen a Teachers side, struggling this year because of injuries and retirement, but looking for a second successive win.

Last year's 34-19 success on the back of two tries and two conversions by wing Kevin Harris ended a run of three years without a win.

Hurdle said: "We're struggling a little bit this year in a couple of positions but we're still a strong team and because it's the Denton memorial everybody plays with a little extra pride and fire. You hope that players do that every week but I think there's a little more in this game.

"I always go out to win and try to play with vigour like my uncle, although he was the nicest guy on the field.'' The Rest, coached by Peter Shillingford, will be selected from an initial 21 names -- seven from the three other clubs -- although last night the final make-up of the team had not been established.

Shillingford promised a flowing game from his outfit, whoever played. "We want an enjoyable game for both the players and the spectators. These memorial games have an important role in the rugby calendar,'' he said.

"The memory of the people who have passed on is central to everything, but we also want to see a game that is played in the right spirit so that the player that has passed on is remembered in the correct spirit.'' Hurdle remains convinced that the spirit of his uncle will be remembered this time round with a triumph for Teachers at Nationals.

"I have every confidence in our team winning if we play up to our abilities,'' he said.