Defending champions Teachers began the season with a narrow 8-6 win over Mariners at Malabar on Saturday.

A Dave Porter try and Greg Fraser penalty were just enough to give Teachers the win in a hard-fought encounter.

Mariners might have even won the game at the death, but Andy Boyce, who had already kicked two penalties missed a makeable third. Teachers too missed a couple of drop goal attempts and the game went right down to the wire.

And despite a high-penalty count, Teachers' magnificent defence meant that they kept Mariners out.

In the first men's game, Tom Healy scored two tries as Renegades had just too much class for a Police side missing several first team regulars, and eventaully ran out 23-13 winners.

Mike Kane put Police 3-0 ahead with a well struck penalty, and could have extended his side's lead, but missed his second attempt.

As the first half wore on the Renegades came more into the game, and following a break by current Tom Healy from a centre field scrum, some good pressure close to the line saw Renegades score the game's first try.

Healy then bagged two tries in quick succession, and with Ian Henderson adding a conversion, Renegades went in at half time 17-3 up.

Police bounced back with two tries after the break, and at 17-13 the game was up for grabs. Henderson and Healy then took the game by the scruff of the next and kept the game tight. A Henderson penalty, and a drop goal towards the end, settled matters.

Renegades women also got their season off to a winning start with a 7-2 victory over Police.

Melissa Field grabbed a hat-trick, Laura Hayes got two and Carolyn Bamford and Karen Peckett scored a try a piece as the league champions dominated . Mika Tomita scored for Police.

In the other women's game, Mariners beat Teachers 4-1. Helen McHugh gave Teachers an early lead, but after that it was all Mariners with Gina Newson scoring twice, and Amanda Swan and Vanessa Toet extending the lead.