Bermuda Police Rugby Club overcame torrential rain, physical opponents, and some indiscipline to beat the Costa Rica national side 31-20 at the Stadio National in San Jose.

Tom Steinhoff was sin-binned in the first half, and sent-off in the second in a physical game that threatened to explode at times.

The forward was penalised at the breakdown for what was described as 'over-enthusiastic rucking' just before half time. And was eventually sent-off in the second half for a late tackle on the Costa Rican scrum half.

Steinhoff's departure did little to help his side, who had already had to overcome an imposing opposition side in a bruising first half.

Costa Rica took an early lead, and with a powerful pack looked like they might dominate the Police.

But Bermuda hit back, with forwards Mickey Stokes, Angus Ayliffe and national team prop Nick West driving the team forward.

Scrum-half Mike Arbuthnot crossed to pull his side level, and was at it again moments later, picking up a lose ball at the ruck to give his side a 12-5 lead.

Costa Rica drew level and then when Steinhoff was dismissed seemed to have the upper hand again, they moved ahead 17-12 and for a time Police were struggling.

The Bermudians recovered however, and tries from Richard Keegan and John Jackson saw them move ahead 26-17. Costa Rica grabbed a penalty to set up a tense finale, but Jackson cut through the hosts once more to complete a memorable victory.