Teachers are the undisputed champions after they trounced their rivals Mariners 36-0.

It remains to be seen, however, whether they will end the season unbeaten as they will face a Police team which appears to have found the winning formula, albeit at this late stage of the season.

Despite the scoreline, Teachers were let down by poor ball handling, and the absence of key playmaker Scott Correia. Both Scott and his brother Andrew are training with the National team for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against the United States.

Flanker Anthony Cupidor missed a golden opportunity in the opening minutes when he dropped a simple pass on the Mariners try line.

However, Cupidor made up for his error in the 27th minute when he hit Butch Robinson for the opening score, on a move begun by scrum half Andrew Correia.

Winger Andre Simons converted and Teachers were ahead 7-0.

Mike Montgomery and substitute Noel Capewell gave Teachers a commanding 17-0 lead at the half.

After the interval, Teachers continued to rub salt in the Mariners' wounds with another try from Montgomery. Mariners' fly half Declan O'Laughton let an easy scoring chance slip through his fingers when he dropped the ball on what should have been an easy score.

In the next play, Teachers' winger Robinson broke away from his marker on the left and delivered a precision pass to second row Richard Raistrick, who galloped in like a gazelle. Montgomery converted.

Full back Roman Romeo's try which was converted by Correia in the final minute put an end to the rout.

Teachers' captain Alvin Harvey said he was pleased to see the Tucker Trophy return to the club.

"It feels great,'' he said after the game. "We haven't won the league since 1989. After Christmas the guys were really committed because we saw we had a chance at winning the league. We have had a few key injuries during the season, but many of those guys are back in the side now so we are stronger. We proved that in fine style.'' It seems that two recent matches against visiting teams have done the Policemen the world of good. Before their 13-10 win against Renegades yesterday, Police had only one win on the year.

Renegades fly half Dave Taylor, who has missed many games due to work commitments, scored all 'Gades points. In the first half he kicked a penalty followed by a try and a conversion in the second half.

Police got one penalty from Dave Bird in the first half and a try each from Billy Tempest Mitchell and Jeremy Rodgers.

Captain Sean Field was ecstatic about his side's performance.

"I am very pleased,'' he said. "We finally got it together. We got one of our old players, Jeremy Rodgers, back from England and his try in the final minutes was decisive. We played well and tackled hard and things went our way for a change.''