buzzing around and irritating opponents -- their infamous strong suit -- developing a solid reputation as the chief intimidators of the local rugby scene.

Along the way they emerged as Bermuda's strongest team and a bonafide powerhouse, winning their fifth crown in the last eight years.

Whether or not they can create enough menacing thump again this season remains to be seen. During last weekend's Sandys Boat Club tournament they won only one game, tied another and were drilled 19-0 by Teachers in one of their most offensive -- as in ill-smelling or nauseous -- displays in years.

They failed to provide any real offence, too, mustering a measly six points in a shutout victory over Police and then only five more in a draw with Mariners.

Have the wheels fallen off last year's Big Black Machine? "Absolutely not,'' trumpeted Danny Forsythe, who handed over the captain's reigns after three years to wing and fullback Patrick Jones this season, one of Bermuda's foremost speedsters. And no one -- including the rookie captain -- is about to run and hide over a bunch of exhibition games.

Besides, they did show some familiar spark against a touring side from Glasgow in a 21-19 victory last month, in a game that was not as close as the score indicated.

"Ultimately he is responsible for everything,'' said Forsythe of Jones.

"He'll carry the can. He's outgoing, fast and relies more on guile than outright speed. He's also a character, just his attitude towards life. When he plays the game he spends half the time on the sidelines bantering with the spectators, yet he can switch from a relaxing easy-going person back to the game when he has to.'' Jones will have no trouble leading his team into battle. Trouble is they have an equal amount of talent for getting themselves into trouble as they do winning winning rugby games.

Last weekend, for instance, rookie flanker Kevin Murphy was sent off after several warnings for foul play. Teachers hooker David Cook had to leave the game after an unsavoury incident which resulted in three stiches to his jaw after being bitten an anonymous Renegades player.

Nevertheless, the team plans to add more bite in their forward line this season, compensating for the loss of key personnel.

That is because Renegades are starting the season without three of their key players from a year ago -- Mike Gorrie, Barry Whitehead and Matt Gorman -- who have left the island.

"I've always been a believer in fresh faces,'' said Forsythe, adding "I'm not pessimistic at all.'' Talent-wise there is Forsythe and Jones, along with David Taylor, a one-time player of the year in 1988 who still offers plenty of talent.

An impressive, but youthful crop of players will be counted on to fill the void left by players no longer around.

Wade Tihema has been moved to centre, making full use of his acceleration and inate ball skills.

Other bonuses to the club are Sean Kelly, who returned to the team during the second half last year, and scrum half Steve Everest, who was promoted from the second team last spring. Kicker Phil Heaney is also a key to the club's success.

The bottom line is that there is still enough scoring punch and capable patrolmen to make this outfit one of the island's best -- and scariest.

REBUILDING -- The race is on for Renegades to replace a trio of quality players including Matt Gorman, left, and their success this year hinges on how well they do that.