Bermuda Police RFC 29 Mariners RFC 3Police Rugby Club triumphed in an emotionally charged Paul Marsden Memorial Match against Mariners on Sunday at the National Sports Centre — the inaugural fixture to commemorate the sudden death of the English police constable.

The super-fit Marsden collapsed and died during the corresponding clash last year after suffering a heart attack.

Following a minute’s silence and in front of the Marsden family — who had flown in from the UK to watch the game — Police began the game with fierce determination.

The mercurial Ryan Summerville registered the first points of the afternoon after he powered over from seven metres to give Police an early 5-0 lead before Police captain Michael Kane missed the conversion.

But Mariners then rebounded strongly and with the wind at their backs began to gain a foothold in the match — Mark Pomroy knocking over a penalty to close the gap to 5-3.

Police continued to exert forward dominance, however, which eventually reaped reward through Gareth Davies, who pounced on a loose ball as it popped out of a scrum to dash past a stunned Mariners back line and touch down.

Kane missed the conversion and Police headed into the half with a 10-3 lead.

A stern lecture from coach Lawrence Bird saw the Mariners forwards start the second half with increased intensity and commitment.

Surging runs by powerhouse Gary Brady saw Police well and truly on the back foot, though their defence — led by Adam Cuttfield and Jamie Webb — proved impenetrable.

Having soaked up the initial onslaught, Police then counter attacked with devastating effect as Mariners stand-off Lochlan Armor had his clearance charged down and Police substitute Glen Corke snared the block to touch down.

Kane missed the kick but Police led 15-3.

Summerville added his second of the game moments later after an outrageous side step and dummy which bamboozled the Mariners defence before stand-off Andrew Flintoff powered his way over from eight metres out to add the final try of the game.Renegades RFC 10

Teachers RFC 3Renegades sewed up their third league championship against Teachers on Sunday.

Despite playing into a strong wind, a resolute Teachers defence kept Renegades at bay until a cheeky grubber kick by Jay Roobottom saw him collect a fortuitous bounce and score in the corner. The conversion was missed and Renegades went into the half with a tenuous 5-0 lead.

Teachers began the second half strongly as Chris Naylor kicked a long penalty to close the gap to 5-3.

But Teachers lost their focus after that score and were made to pay through a try from winger Greg Garside.Mariners Ladies 8

Bermuda Police Ladies 1Michelle Berendt scored a hat-trick as Mariners Ladies romped past their rivals Police.

Also on the scoresheet were Jodi Crawford with two tries while Linda Scully, Joanna Turner and Jill Brydon also touched down. Julia Mansfield scored the lone Police try.

One point was awarded for each try.