Don't mess with an Ivy League side that is well travelled and preparing for their championships.

That was the lesson learned by Police on Friday evening in an exciting display of open rugby that saw them go down 32-29 to Brown University.

With a lead of 15-5 at the half, thanks to tries from Chris Naylor, Greg Garside and the boot of Mike Kane, it looked like an easy home victory.

However, skipper Alex Rollin made too many changes and let victory slip away to a determined college side that was determined to succeed.

Brown took an early lead through Ayala who outstripped the Bermuda defence. The kick was missed and Chris Naylor replied within ten minutes with a well taken effort.

Greg Garside took another and Kane topped it off with a conversion and a penalty. Strong forward pressure kept Police in charge into the second half but Brown dominated the lineouts.

Police were easily capable of winning this one if they had chosen to exploit a fast experienced back line that added two more tries through Naylor and Garside. Kane slotted two conversions.

In the last 20 minutes it appeared to be all over but Naylor was replaced at fly half and Police went downhill from there as they chose the inside option too often.

The visitors took advantage of overturned muddled ball and young legs did the rest. They scored five tries through Montgomery, Resetti, Leslie, Hodges and Weaver. They could only manage one conversion but ran out worthy winners.

The visitors engaged Renegades yesterday and won again, 29-24 at Montessori.