Teachers set up a Nichol Shield final against Renegades on Sunday with a 21-13 comeback win over an unlucky Police side who were down to 13 men owing to a slew of injuries.

In a game delayed by 40 minutes because of thunder and lightning at the National Sports Centre’s North Field, Police took an early lead thanks to a lovely break from Johanne Oosthuizen. Captain Tommy Edwards missed the conversion, however.

Police valiantly defended waves of attacks after suffering several injuries in terrible conditions to go 5-0 up at the break, and started the stronger in the second half with Bermuda and West Indies Sevens star Dan Cole kicking over a penalty goal to increase the advantage to eight points.

Police continued to pile forward and, after a series of forward drives, Police front-row Dan Obote dived over from close range, but Cole missed the conversion.

The score seemed to wake up Teachers, who responded with three converted tries in row to steal the semi-final.

Improved forward leadership by Aldo Campbell and Tashon DeSilva saw the Reds develop a more structured approach, and the pair duly scored tries, with Jahniko Francis coolly knocking over the conversions for a 14-13 Teachers lead.

Wily veteran David Porter completed the win with a well timed dive for the line at the final whistle.

In the other semi-final Renegades beat Mariners 24-7

The women’s Scully Cup final will be between Mariners and Teachers, after their semi-finals, again at the North Field on Saturday.

Becky Garley and Kiara Somner touched down for Mariners in their 2-0 win over Renegades while Najee Pitt Clarke scored the decisive try in Teachers’ 1-0 victory over Police.