Renegades took a big step towards retaining their men’s division title with a 15-5 win over Police at the North Field, National Sports Centre, yesterday.

Tries from Cedric Ennis and Jamie Baum, plus five points from the boot of Brian Archibald were enough to settle a hard-fought affair.

Dan Cole got a late consolation try for Police, who now trail Renegades by three points going into the final month of the season.

The two sides play again on Saturday, February 13, a game Police will most likely have to win if they are to keep their title hopes alive.

Renegades built their win on a dominant set piece, a strength that was highlighted by Baum’s try.

A Renegades maul was illegally hauled down on the 22 by Police, the champions kicked the resulting penalty for the corner, won the line-out, and Baum came up with the ball after Renegades drove over the line.

In yesterday’s second men’s game, Mariners managed their first win of the season with a 19-10 victory over Teachers.

Two scores from Chakote Wainwright-Basden and a penalty try, plus two Kellen Williams conversions were enough to see off Teachers, who had to settle for tries from Aldo Campbell and Antonio Perinchief-Leader, both of which went unconverted.

In the women’s touch league, Teachers opened up a six-point gap at the top after their 2-1 win over Mariners.

Najee Pitt-Clarke and Gillian Cross scored for Teachers, with Alyssa James getting Mariners’s lone score.

Police, meanwhile, climbed to second after their convincing 4-1 win over Renegades.

Jo Godfrey, Mika Tomita, Saphia Tonkin and Louise Matthews scored for Police, with Sarah Maybury’s consolation effort the only bright spot for Renegades.