Teachers' title hopes suffered a massive blow as they were upset by previously winless Police in this BRFU First Division make-up game on Wednesday.

The Reds trail leaders Renegades by two points and have just two games remaining while Gades have three.

Police scrum half Gareth Davies scored a try, created another out of nothing and put in numerous try-saving tackles as the Blues produced their best performance of the season.

Teachers had begun in commanding fashion as Scott Correia dummied inside and passed wide to full back Butch Robinson who flew into the corner. Replacement kicker Dennis Cherry missed the conversion but redeemed himself minutes later to kick a penalty.

But Police grew in confidence. Their forwards camped on the Teachers' five metre line and after Dave Bird, Alan Gorbutt and Graham Marion all made powerful lunges towards the try line, Davies found the smallest of gaps to score. Ian Jamieson hit the post with the conversion which left the half-time score at 8-5.

With 20 minutes left the game changed its complexion as Blues' Graham Martin powered forward only to be stopped on the try line. But as Martin ended his destructive run Jamieson picked up to score the try and then convert.

Police began dictating the pace and forcing Teachers to make errors. A knock-on by the Blues allowed Reds to clear their line, but Davies caught Craig McIntyre in possession, ripped the ball and popped it to John Roberts who scored a third Police try.

With time running out and trailing 17-8, Teachers attacked relentlessly, led by the tireless Capewell and Correia.

Dennis Cherry kicked a second penalty to reduce the deficit to 17-11 but with victory so close nothing was going to stop coach Andy Wright's men from achieving a stunning upset victory.