Had this match been used as a measuring stick to gauge local football, Bermuda would have failed miserably.

Not only was the final scoreline flattering, but those who dared turn up to witness Blazers grind out a first win of the season might have been fully justified in asking for a refund ? such was the low calibre of ball on a humid Saturday night at BAA Field.

Perhaps the mere sight of Rangers? starting forward Tafari Mallory strolling into the ground with play well underway was a sign of the misfortunes to come.

For 90 agonising minutes both teams risked life and limb like the New York Giants? defence on third and goal but, surprisingly, referee Tracey Adams only carded two players, one from each team.

Boulevard?s Shaki Crockwell, who netted his team?s third -goal deep into stoppage time, must have found Adams baffling after being sent tumbling inside the box no fewer than three occasions only to see play waved on.

Then, for the second weekend in succession, play was held up for five frustrating minutes after the second of only two match balls the home team provided was booted out of the ground.

But while Rangers? historic debut in top flight football ended in defeat, Blazers finally had something to cheer about after doing just enough to keep the opposition at bay.

After going close on several occasions, Melchisedec Gibbons gave Blazers the lead in the 16th minute via a brilliant solo effort. Gaining possession of the ball deep in Rangers terrain, Gibbons was allowed to dribble some 15 yards or so and then smash the ball into the far corner without any resistance.

Up until this point Blazers had held a slight advantage over a Rangers side that, although pinned down in their own half for long spells, did produce a few promising raids of their own, particularly during the closing minutes of the opening half.

Blazers, though, would regain the upper edge when play resumed and should have doubled their lead in the 65th minute when Crockwell found himself all alone with ?keeper Ricky Tucker. But with the entire left-side of goal wide open, the fiery forward ? who must be credited for running hard all night ? drove the ball right into Tucker?s hands.

Rangers? McLee Smith, debuting for a fifth Premier Division club, had the best chance on the night for his team. However, the well-conditioned striker dragged his shot wide of the post when well placed.

Fellow forwards Jonathan Bean and Henry Santucci also had a few good looks at goal, but failed to capitalise.

Returning Boulevard custodian Shejuan (Shabba) Swan might not enjoy an easier night between the posts for the remainder of the season.

But just when it appeared as though the home team would scrape to a slim win, veteran Dwight (Payback) Warren put the match beyond Rangers? reach. With a mere two minutes remaining in regulation, Warren managed to beat the Rangers? offside trap, sharply cut inside, side-step the advancing Tucker and slot the ball into the unguarded net ? much to the delight of the courageous few who stayed to the end.

But Blazers were not done just yet as Crockwell converted Gibbons? defence-splitting pass from close range to put the icing on coach Albert Smith?s first win since taking over from Vernon Symonds late August.: S.Swan, T.Trott, Jahmarley Samuels, Jahmel Samuels, C.Trott (capt), R.Saltus (A.Gibbons, 21 mins), C.Simmons, M.Gibbons, J.Samuels (P.Puckering, 61 mins), D.Warren, S.CrockwellR.Tucker, J.Saltus, T.Codrington, W.Anderson, S.Brangman, T.Corday (A.Outerbridge, 69 mins), S.Smith, J.Bean, H.Santucci, M.Smith (C.Anderson, 80 mins), J.Codrington (T.Mallory, 31 mins).Jahmel Samuels (Boulevard); S.Smith (Rangers).: Jahmarley Samuels (Boulevard); W.Anderson (Rangers): Tracey Adams.

l Shuntae Todd accounted for all of PHC Zebras? goals against Somerset Hurricanes in Saturday night?s opening women?s Konica Cup contest.

After erasing Jessica Furtado?s 19th minute strike, Todd converted in the 35th, 40th, 64th and 84th minutes to inspire Zebras to a comfortable 4-1 win.