showing from inconsistent Mariners to eventually cruise to a 25-3 Amstel First XV league victory that keeps them just a point back from leaders Police.

Anthony (Church) Cupidor put the Reds in front when he crossed for an unconverted try. And Andre Simons added a penalty goal as the normally lethal Declan O'Loughlin missed with his two efforts for Mariners.

Capitalising on Mariners' defensive errors, and clinical finishing from 50 yards out, Teachers ran away with the second half. A missed drop goal attempt from Mike Montgomery signalled the start of the Teachers' rout as Dennis Cherry crashed over from five yards out.

The try was controversial after referee Dennis Dwyer had penalised a Mariners defender, when some felt the award should have gone the other way. Simons converted and then added his own score following a spectacular 50 yard dash for the line. He added the extra points.

Not to be outdone, national team prospect Ross Webber picked up a loose ball and sped down the left flank to score in the corner. Mariners' woes continued with the loss of playmaker Dave Conway through injury.

Earlier in the day, leaders Police overcame a committed Renegades side featuring the return of influential players Ali Nicoll and skipper Gordie Benson.

Tim Carr kicked the first three points of the game before a well-worked blindside break put left-winger Dickie Cubbin free to score down the left flank. Carr added the difficult conversion.

Phil Heaney was held up short after cheekily catching the Police team unawares when running a penalty that he looked set to kick. Minutes later, though, he added three points when the Police backs were caught offside.

On the stroke of half-time, the 'Gades brought themselves back into the match when right winger Iwan Jones was worked free to cross in the corner. But the second half belonged entirely to the Blues with solid forward work allowing first Dave Bird and then Dave Lunn time and space to power over. Carr completed the 23-8 victory with a late penalty goal.

In Saturday's Division Two fixtures, Mariners upset leaders Teachers 20-12 and Renegades gained their first points by defeating Police 7-3.