The following is the start of previews of Bermuda's four teams in the Amstel Rugby League.

One thing is certain about the Mariners this fall -- Bermuda rugby fans can bet on them being better, noisier and, more important, far more interesting.

For more seasons than anyone cares to remember, things had to get better for the sad sacks of local rugby. Finally, it is cash-in time for the Mariners.

And based on their play in Sunday's Sandys Boat Club tournament, this will be the season they finally shed their losing legacy.

Before last season the Mariners lost all their games for four consecutive years. However, slow, but steady improvement as a result of hard work on the part of their players suddenly began to pay off. There was a gradual change in the team's attitude towards fitness and training.

The team's first league win came against Police last October and they followed that by defeating Teachers a week later. Then, in what was considered their best display of the season, Mariners pushed the undefeated Renegades all the way for narrow loss.

Their third victory later in the year against Police solidified the fact that Mariners were finally competitive.

Captain David Conway said that this year his club is full of confidence and brimming with enthusiasm.

"There's definitely a different atittude,'' said Conway. "We expect to win games this year.'' Even though the club has had difficulty in the area of recruitment, Mariners boast one of the best front rows in the country with Robert Cortez, Neil Alexander and Clive Parker. Not to mention fly half Conway, who was named Amstel Player of the Year following a solid campaign.

Conway is the team's crucial component as master motivator and the key behind any prolonged Mariners revival this season. Even after a 45-12 drilling by the Renegades last spring, Conway boasted his team was on the road to recovery and their play during the second half proved they were no pushovers.

Mariners' big problem last season was that they tended to self destruct in the latter stages of games. Even on Sunday, there was confusion about who should be doing tasks like tackling.

Their only significant loss is Colin Newall who sometimes added consistency in the scrimmage, but has been dropped to the second team. On the line-out, Marty Vinks has blossomed as one of Bermuda's best. Besides his leadership skills, Conway provides excellent display of running and tackling and is a game breaker.

Prop Alexander is another bright bulb on offence and has emerged as one of the best players on the island earning accolades as a member of the national squad.

Full-back Gavin Corcoran was counted on for offensive spark last year and is a candidate to replace Mike Gorman for kicking chores.

Mariners showed flashes of brilliance in their attack on Sunday, but they need to work on for their defence.

They dropped the round-robin opener 17-0 to Teachers but rebounded with a 14-5 triumph over Police. In their third game they tied league champions Renegades 5-5.

"I think there is going to be more parity in the league than ever before,'' said Conway. "I think on any given weekend any team will be capable of winning.'' One thing is clear -- they are ready to take their long-awaited step forward.

What is different is that instead of feeling inadequate, there is a ready new rush of the possible.