Mariners pulled off an upset in the Bermuda Rugby Football Union Men’s League after toppling league-leaders Renegades in a hard-fought 32-26 victory.

The Bermuda Rugby Football Union recently allowed the beleaguered Mariners to use players from other teams in the league to help bolster their dwindling numbers on match-day.

The move was seemingly justified as tries from Jess Kanagatoa’a, Rory Dublin, Chris Mewett, Avery Williams and Jacques de Verteuil, and extras added by Mikle Dill and Rory Dublin helped steer them to a satisfying success. Conor McGlynn, Tom Healy and Robin Brickell scored tries for the Renegades.

“It’s imperative for local men’s rugby to have four competitive teams,” Sean Field-Lament, the BRFU president, said.

“Mariners have some very good talent and just needed the numbers and regular training to right their ship.

“I’m pleased the other clubs agreed to draft players over to Mariners and help them out of a tight spot; it bodes well for the rest of the season.”

Elsewhere, Police overcame Teachers in a 34-12 victory courtesy of tries from Owen Siese, Darren Klein, Spencer Brown, Quentin Venter and Michael Halbert.

In the Women’s League there was also joy for Mariners as they continued their remarkable season with a narrow 17-14 victory over Renegades.

Two tries from Nya Heyliger were added to by April Jackson with a solitary conversion being successfully kicked by Gina Newson to steer the Mariners to the win. Sarah Maybury and Ashley Godek scored the two Renegades tries.

Elsewhere, tries from Lauren Rothwell, Najee Pitt-Clarke and Gillian Cross guided Teachers to a 22-12 win over Police. Kiera Smith and Jo Murray got on the score sheet for the visiting side.