An ordinary looking Police backline prompted the general consensus that the boys in blue might be in for a hiding.

However, the Police pack dominated this match, giving good ball to Gareth Davies and Alan Oliver to kick behind the opposition.

After 12 minutes Oliver followed up on a scrappy clearance to charge it down and score beneath the posts.

His easy conversion gave Police a 7-0 lead.

Police forward domination continued throughout the half with some solid play from Jon Williams and Peter Elliott, who took the ball to the Mariners time after time.

Mariners were expected to employ Police tactics in the second half, but when they did get some front ball they lacked the experience and leadership necessary to do what they had to do.

Police tore forward again and Tom Steinhoff barged his way over for another try near the posts.

Oliver did the honours and Police led 14-7.

Mariners had a brief period of possession during which Gareth Dixon went over in the corner for an unconverted try.

But Police were not to be denied and five minutes from the end Gareth Davies, snapping at the heels of a dominant scrum, crashed over for a try which Oliver converted to leave Police victors by 21-5.

Renegades 8 Teachers 29 Nathan Browne shaved the post with a penalty after seven minutes and it looked as if Renegades would escape being put to the sword on this occasion.

Following Sangster's unconverted try five minutes later, Renegades piled on the pressure and spent several minutes pummelling the Teachers defence.

This led to a penalty by Nick Newguy which gave Teachers a slender 5-3 lead with 10 minutes left in the half.

From then on, led by some sterling work from Dennis Cherry, Teachers took control and scored tries through Browne (two) and Cherry.

Ross Webber converted two of the three and sent his team in at the break leading 24-3.

The second half saw Renegades throw everything at their opponents but to little avail.

Teachers' Brian Desmond powered over for an unconverted try after 15 minutes and it appeared it was all over.

But Renegades were rewarded for their determination when Andy Trinder sprinted in for a try with 10 minutes left.

Newguy missed the easy conversion and Teachers ran out worthy winners 29-8.