The annual New Year's Day game once again proved that rugby is alive and well on the Island as far as the 17-21 age group is concerned.

Renegades first win in six years meant that Bobby Hurdle played in his last game for the youth squad and was denied his third year as winning captain.

Tackling and general committment was in evidence from both sides and was applauded by the large and enthusiastic crowd at National Sports Club.

Renegades must thank their new arrival, Australian Rugby League player Daniel Olsen, for shutting out several Bermuda attacks and scoring two superb tries.

Renegades pressured Bermuda in the first 20 minutes, but courageous tackling prevented any score. Ironically it was two weak tackles by Bermuda that eventually allowed outside half Magnus Henegulph to score on a straight run near the coasts. Barton Sommerville converted for a half-time score of 7-0.

A ferocious start to the second half saw Bermuda launch several attacks into Renegades territory only to see their last two passes go astray. Renegades, with a more experienced pack of forwards, gained the upper hand in the second phase ball and this allowed the powerful Olsen to score his two tries.

A mistake by Bermuda backs late in the game allowed Sebastian Henegulph, in his last game as a 21-year-old, to waltz through a stunned Bermuda backline following an interception. Although Renegades had the luxury of several good quality foreign players, their Bermudian contingent, when added to the All Bermuda Rest side, should stand Bermuda rugby in good stead for the future.

Mariners beat all comers in the annual Heel-So-Quick 10-A-Side tournament at National Sports Club on Sunday.

Although heavy favourites, Teachers heads fell after losing to Mariners in the first game 10-5, letting a 5-3 lead fritter away with two minutes remaining.

Simon Turner scored the winning try for Mariners.

Typically, most players showed the effects of a long holiday break with lethargic running and fatigue setting in quickly, probably caused by over indulgence over the Christmas period.

Renegades looked certain to upset Mariners in the fifth game after easily beating Teachers 14-7 and Police 21-12. But Mariners showed determination and blanked Renegades 15-0 with tries from Keith Faddon, Dennis Faeries and Alec Roberts. Renegades scrum half Steve Everest was easily the most enthusiastic player of the day with Turner in match-winning form for Mariners.

In the final game of the day, Teachers showed some resolve by easily beating Police 21-5.

The junior rugby programme starts again on Sunday at noon at National Sports Club. For more information contact Richard Raistrick at 295-0152.