thrilling final match of the Sandys Boat Club tournament, beating Police 7-5.

Even though Police taught Teachers a lesson in the art of rucking and ball control, the Reds were resolute in defence and demonstrated a never-say-die attitude that was sorely lacking last season.

Both teams had seen off the challenge of Renegades with ease, Police winning 21-0 and Teachers 22-3.

Mariners offered stiffer opposition as they lost narrowly to Teachers 7-5 in the first match and then forfeited against Police with the score at 5-0 after having hooker Mark Ladyman sent off for punching.

Mariners couldn't provide a replacement front row for Ladyman and therefore handed the game to Police. But it was a situation which will be of cause for concern for Bermuda Rugby Football Union who have demanded that first teams must field a bona fide front row to keep the game competitive.

For Police, it was the old faithfuls, Gareth Davies, Dave Bird and Sean Field-Lament who controlled play from the outset, Bird enjoying a marvellous start to the season with three tries and four conversions.

Renegades will have been glad to see the return of Shane Gill and Neville Ross but they still look like being the whipping boys this season.

They put out several new faces but all looked inexperienced with the exception of centre Ieuan Davies, who showed himself to be an an accomplished goal kicker.

Teachers appear to have a different attitude this season under the leadership of captain Bobby Hurdle and coach Alvin Harvey as the self-destruct button that has plagued them in recent years has been replaced by a come-from-behind mentality shown in every match of this tournament.

The return of Ross Webber was a welcome sight and after a shaky start against Mariners, he grew in confidence. At prop, Freedom Burrows impressed with his bulldozing runs, scoring a try in each match.

Mariners have a well-balanced team and look to have more ball-winning capabilities than last season. Another face from the past, Dave Conway, added control and inventiveness to the back line that looked impressive in attack.