LOCAL rugby returned to the fine confines of National Sports Centre's north field last weekend and the large crowd was treated with two highly entertaining matches. The opening match saw Renegades sew up their third league championship with a workman like display over a disappointing Teachers outfit.Renegades forwards lead by Conor McClynn and Mike Williams consistently proved to be more hungry for the lose ball. Teachers were time and time again driven back and showed an alarmingly inability to string more then two phases of play together. Meanwhile Renegades displayed fine ball retention skills and produced six telling phases of play which resulted in their two tries. Renegades standoff Paul Jones proved to be more than a handful for his beleaguered counterpart Chris Naylor who must have got tired of bringing down the burly Liverpudian. Man of the Match Jones was instrumental in Renegades 10-3 victory.

In the second league match Mariners could not match the passion and commitment of an emotionally fired up Police team, in the inaugural Paul Marsden Memorial Match. Police walked off with a five try to nil 29-3 win with Ryan Summerville securing Man of the Match honours. Police coach Kenny O'Shea's simple system is starting to produce fine patterns of play which has resulted in the boys in blue stringing together two emphatic wins.

This weekend's fixtures have Police playing Teachers in the opening match with Mariners taking on Renegades in the second match. Kick-offs are at 2 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. respectively.

The first encounter will be intriguing as Police seek to continue their recent form against a Teachers team that will be looking to rebound after a rather flat performance last week. Police have several absences to contend with prop Jamie Billings and second row Tim Morris out.

Billings has proven to be a dangerous runner of the ball relishing his role as a third-phase battering ram. Blue stalwart Peter Elliott will be expected to fill the considerable void. Sophomore player Morris has been an important lineout man for Police. He broke his wrist and will be out for six weeks which could present massive problems for captain Michael Kane as set-piece possession may be problematic.

The enigmatic Police back line led by Andrew Flint may have a long day without the ball. Teachers will look to West Indies star Bobby Hurdle and back row leader Anthony "Church" Cupidor to inspire their forwards. If a proper platform can be created the Teachers backs have the potential to break through, on recent form, an indefatigable police defence.

The second match may appear on paper to be a walkover for league runaways Renegades, but Mariners, under the steady tutelage of coaching tandem, Lawrence Bird and Joost Huizen, are improving leaps and bounds.

A savoury battle of heavyweights is on the cards for spectators with Mariners Dave Rorke and Gary Brady facing Conor McGlynn and Tom Kelly in the packs. Mariners will be asking a lot of their diminutive scrum half, Mark Pomroy in shutting down West Indies Sevens call-up Tom Healy.

Healy is arguably the player of the season and regularly stamps his authority on games. He is ably supported by an experienced back line with James Holburn, Greg Garside, Jay Roobottom leading the way. Renegades are still missing their talismanic Darragh O'Donnahue who is out with a foot injury. Mariners will have to rely heavily on standoff Lochlan Armory to shoot down his opposite number Paul Jones, whose rhinoceros-like charges consistently set up good second phase ball. It promises to be an enjoyable day of rugby.