Despite the inclement weather the Bermuda Rugby Football Union hosted their Scully Cup and the Nichol Shield Semi-Finals at the National Sports Center.
In the Women's Rugby Scully Cup Semi-Finals, the Mariners defeated the League Champions Renegades 2-0. The Mariners got a Try each from Becky Garley and Kiara Somner
In the other match the Teachers defeated the Police 1-0 in Extra Time, with a Try from Najee Pitt-Clarke.
In the the Nichol Shield Semi-Final the Teachers defeated the Police 21 - 13. The game was delayed 40 minutes by thunder and lightening.
Police opened scoring up with a lovely break by Johann Oosthuizen. Conversion was missed by Police captain Tommy Edwards.
In what can only be described as horrible conditions with wind and rain making handling very difficult, a series' of injuries reduced Police to 13 men.
They valiantly defended waves of Teachers attacks to get to the half 5-0 up.
Second half Police started promisingly using the strong wind to the backs astutely.
Teachers infringed at a breakdown in front of the posts,
Referee Keith Hodgkins duly gave the penalty which national team player and West Indies sevens star Dan Cole knocked over for a 8-0 lead.
Police continued to pile forward and after a series of forward drives Police front row Dan Obote dove over from close. Cole missed the Conversion. The score seemed to wake up Teachers who responded with three convert Try’s in row to steal an exciting Nicol Shield Semi Final.
Some forward leadership by Aldo Campbell and Tashon DeSilva saw the reds develop a more structured approach- close driving support play and quick recycling of ruck ball saw some continuity evolve.
A beleaguered Police team began to flag and once stiff tackling became poor. Jahniko Francis coolly knocked over the Conversions to take the lead 14-13.
Veteran David Porter completed the win with a well timed dive for the line at the final whistle.
Thus ended a disappointing season for Police. Teachers will feel rejuvenated and will relish the underdog position in the Final.
|
