*** Folk rock pioneers Fairport Convention had to compete with the rugby Classic tournament in the first of two shows in Bermuda this week.

And -- with due apologies to Classic winners Argentina and losing finalists Canada -- the size of the crowd and the reception the band got meant a hands-down victory for music over muscle.

Fairport -- currently in their 32nd year -- brought the same line-up as last year to the Folk Club.

And, once again, the multi-talented Ric Sanders and Chris Leslie stole the show with virtuoso violin-playing, with Leslie also showing his versatility on mandolin and bouzouki, as well.

Standout songs included "Sailing Boat'' -- a gentle song highlighting the British love affair with the sea and small boats.

And Leslie used his mandolin -- among the most melancholy of instruments -- to really invest the song with just a touch of wistfulness.

And The "`Yeoman's Retreat'' also showcased Sanders and Leslie's talents, with stunning solo performances.

Ralph McTell -- best known for the haunting "Streets of London'' and who performed for the folk club recently -- also clearly thinks highly of the band founded by vocalist/guitarist Simon Nicol at the London home of his father, called Fairport, in 1967.

For McTell wrote the equally haunting "Hiring Fair'' especially for Fairport -- which provided yet another highlight in a carefully-chosen set.

Fairport made a little bit of musical history, pioneering a blend of folk and rock in their early days.

And a judicious selection of traditional tunes underscored their crossover appeal.

"Mattie Groves'', an old Scots ballad and one of the first recordings by Fairport and the Shetland air John Gowdie spotlighted the talented foursome's sure touch with more orthodox folk.

And tunes like "Dangerous'' moved the band seamlessly into the electric age with more than a hint of rock.

But "Who Knows Where the Time Goes?'' -- written by early Fairport member Sandy Dennis, who died in 1969 and reworked for the band's 30 anniversary album -- slowed the pace down with a rueful look back at a life -- and a look forward to the future through parenthood.

Based, however, on Fairport's performance in Bermuda both this week and on previous occasions, they really don't have to worry too much about the future.

Fairport Convention: Simon Nicol (left) and Dave Pegg, driving force guitar/vocalist and bassist in long-lasting folk rock band Fairport Convention. Not shown are violinists Ric Sanders and Chris Leslie.