Police 7

Renegades 44

Police went into this game against leaders Renegades on a seven-game losing streak. Police had the early advantage with the wind to their backs.

Unfortunately the Police lacked continuity in the attacks and could not retain possession more than 2-3 phases. Their plight was not assisted by very inconsistent interpretations at the breakdown by referee Ben Jewett.

Renegades adapted to the prevailing conditions better and soon they had the advantage. A silky counter attack by Paul Waldburger saw the South African born standoff slice through some woeful Police tackling before unselfishly off loading to a supporting Tom Healy who touched down unmolested.

Waldburger missed the conversion but shortly thereafter chipped over a penalty to extend Renegades lead to 8-0.

Police responded with some incisive runs from Andrew Flint and were looking like turning the pressure into points when Renegades outside center John Jackson scored an unconverted try.

Police's resurgence was undone by some dubious calls and when the confused Police started to back chat the referee they were duly punished with 10 meters being tacked on top of their initial penalty. The quick thinking Healy sensed an opportunity and with a strong head wind making kicking the wrong option he took quick tap penalties over and over. This ploy proved very successful. A quick interplay between Healy, Waldburger and Jackson saw the latter score his second try of the day for an 18-0 lead.

The Police forwards played the rest of half on the back foot and were guilty of not being physical enough in the rucks - a by product of their growing unease at the refereeing.

After the break Renegades' Dave Sidder set up several solid platforms which eventually saw Peter Dunkerley receive a lovely inside pop from his standoff, opening up a hole that a train could have run through. Dunkerley made no mistake and trotting by the posts to move the score to 25-0 and secure the bonus points for four tries scored.

Jackson score his hat trick out wide for a 30-0 lead. When the diminutive fullback Eoghan O'Dwyer magically wove his way through the tattered remnants of a Police back line for his side's sixth try, the rout was officially on but not before Police's Richard Keegan intercepted a wayward Waldburger pass and powered in from 30 metres. Michael Kane converted to take the score to 37-7.

The score rejuvenated the Police and the insertion of guest player Kris Furbert brought some impetus to their attacks. Vice captain Dave Bird broke from the back of an attacking scum and was driving towards a sure score when his was flipped head over heels by a dangerous torpedo tackle- the tackler making no effort to wrap his arms around. But there was no penalty try awarded.

Renegades winger Tyler Johanssen finished off his side's scoring after Bermuda Irish winger Colin Keane passed for Johanssen to waltz over for the final converted try of the day.

With the crushing defeat and the massive departure of the ever popular Kenny O'Shea, Police have an uphill battle to salvage some respectability and must focus on the upcoming Nichol Shield. The lopsided victory ensures Renegades remain front runners for the league title and extends their lead at the top of table to four points with two games to play.