over third-placed Mariners in the BRFU First Division at Nationals.

But the 78-0 thrashing came against a weak Mariners side who were missing eight of their regulars.

Renegades, who remain two points clear of Teachers, stuck to their game plan and ran in 12 unanswered tries with Phil Heaney scoring one and converting nine.

Mariners were simply no match for the well-drilled Black pack with Alan Mackie scoring the first of his three tries within five minutes of the opening whistle. Soon after, number eight Shane Gill bulldozed his way over and with Brad Adderley (two tries) cleaning up nicely at number two in the lineouts, Renegades soon began to pile on the pressure and points.

Mariners stemmed the tide with a spirited 10-minute attacking spell but failed to open their account and strong running from full back Neville Ross (two tries) and replacement Norman Bates (one try) brought the half-time score to 45-0.

Little changed in the second half with the Renegades pack maintaining good ball possession through aggressive rucking and well orchestrated rolling mauls, giving Heaney ample time to direct his back line.

Good open rugby followed a quick lineout which resulted in Mike Gorrie scampering over to complete the Renegades total of 78 points.

In the other match Teachers stayed hot on the heels of Renegades with a close 24-15 win over Police.

Opening up the game at every opportunity, Teachers went into an early 12 point lead through good running from Craig McIntyre (two tries) and a well executed back line move which Alvin Harvey finished off in style.

Police spirits were bolstered by the Lunn trio of Greg, Dave and Colin who worked hard throughout the first half and good forward pressure allowed guest player Charmi Purwell to sidestep the Teachers defence and score under the posts.

A moment of inspiration from Greg Lunn saw Police get back almost on level terms as he chipped the ball through the Teachers back line and collected to score unopposed.

Teachers flyhalf Hyden Hertz sneaked over from five yards and converted the try himself to restore the Teachers lead to 10 points. Once again Police retaliated and constant pressure resulted in Andy McCullogh scoring the final try of the day.

In a joint effort, Bermuda Rugby Football Union and Bermuda Tourism Department have rekindled the College Weeks rugby programme.

This Sunday at 3.00 a Bermuda Select XV will play Babson College, a student team from the North Eastern (US) Rugby Union.

Babson have a solid collegiate record of 5-1 this season and their youthful legs can be expected to challenge Bermuda's older players.

Next Tuesday evening at 5.00, a Bermuda Select second XV will play the students, also at Nationals.

Meanwhile, more than 50 youngsters between the ages of 12 and 18 continue to train at either Nationals, Saltus or Whitney Institute in the BRFU junior programme. This Sunday will see a 10-a-side match at Nationals featuring those youngsters.

The first competitive game for the juniors will be against a team from Brookline, Massachusetts -- the Brookline Warriors -- in late April.

The local season ends with the arrival of Old Alleynians RFC from England who will be on their third trip to Bermuda.

This is their centenary year and the London Division club are expected to severely test Bermuda who have played no international matches since last year's World Cup game against Chile, who are now expected to challenge Paraguay and Uruguay to advance to the Americas play-offs in Buenos Aires in August.