their Nicholl Shield semi-final at National Sports Club yesterday.

Trailing 24-12 with less than a quarter of an hour to go they found the will to force two late tries, both converted, to snatch the lead from under their opponents' noses. Then they were forced to watch as Teachers' Nathan Brown was inches wide of the posts with a penalty just seconds before the end.

The win set up a final against league champions Renegades, 46-0 conquerors of Mariners in yesterday's other semi-final.

Manager Andy Wright, who had waited until March 25 for his side's first victory of the season -- ironically over Teachers -- said afterwards: "Although we were 12 points down I never thought it was over.

"They lost their fly half Scott Correia injured and we saw our opportunity.

He's a very influential player both nationally and at club level and that definitely helped our cause. Obviously we'll be the underdogs against Renegades next week but we'll use this week to prepare ourselves properly.'' Teachers had started strongly, Brown converting Freedom Burrows' early try, but Police responded rapidly, Greg Lunn going over to bring it back to 7-5.

Brown gave Teachers a five point advantage from a penalty before Alan Gorbutt got Police's second try and Lunn converted to give them a half-time lead.

Ashley Redmond and Darryl Bean both scored tries as Teachers began to take the initiative but they reckoned without Police's never-say-die spirit as first Gareth Davies went over and then Scott Davies completed a flowing move to level the scores.

Lunn fluffed his first conversion attempt but the referee ordered that it should be taken again for an infringement and he made no mistake the second time.

Renegades, meanwhile, ran in seven tries as they overpowered Mariners in an ill-tempered game which saw punches fly on more than one occasion.

When the teams concentrated on the rugby Mike Gorrie got two tries, with Shandy Purewal, Dave Worsfold, Shane Gill, Nick Roberts and Phil Heaney also getting on the scoresheet. Heaney also converted four of the tries and kicked a penalty.