Teachers Rugby Club are edging closer to wrapping up yet another title in the Bermuda Rugby Football Union men’s league.

Chris Naylor’s side defeated Police Rugby Club 19-12 at the National Sports Centre’s North Field to stay clear at the top and could be confirmed as champions if they beat Renegades on Friday.

Jahniko Francis opened the scoring for Teachers with a brilliant individual effort before captain Jakee Simmons then went over the line twice and booted in two out of three conversions. Prop Tawanda Chidzawo and Andy Stott scored the tries for Police, with the conversions kicked in by Owen Seiss.

The victory could have been greater but indiscipline almost cost them dearly as they had three players sent to the sin bin. Francis, vice-captain Cameron Caines, and wing Nayinde Simons were all temporarily suspended from play in the second half for dangerous tackles.

Coach Naylor was relieved to get the victory and conceded that Police did not make it easy for his side.

“Police pushed us all the way,’’ Naylor said. “We felt that at half time we were going to stretch away from them because of our fitness. They had a bigger pack than us but we thought that they would tire, and that didn't happen.

“Credit to Police for sticking with it. They dominated the fitness in the second half and we had our backs against the wall. We were under a lot of pressure.

“Indiscipline also cost us as we had three yellow cards in the second half and played most of it with 14 people on the park, They were clear cards as well, so nothing to complain about.

“What was nice to see from Teachers was that the grit that we showed. Police came close to scoring and we had a bit of a lucky escape but it was nice to play a tough game of rugby.

“Some of our games this season have been blowout victories where our defensive work hasn't really been stretched.

“I think we’ve more or less got it wrapped up. If we win our game on Friday, mathematically we've done it because we've only lost one game and that was to Police.”

Darren Richardson, the Police captain, expressed his disappointment at his side’s failure to capitalise on their second-half supremacy.

“We now need Renegades to give us a hand,’’ Richardson said. “Renegades need an upset and we need to make sure we beat Teachers again. Fingers crossed things go our way.”