Bengaluru Bravehearts enter HSBC Rugby Premier League semifinals

Bengaluru Bravehearts secured a place in the HSBC Rugby Premier League semifinals with a 26-21 victory over Kolkata Banga Tigers. Jonas Mikalcius starred for Bengaluru, while Vuiviwa Naduvalo scored a hat-trick for Kolkata in a closely contested encounter

Hyderabad: Bengaluru Bravehearts defeated Kolkata Banga Tigers 26-21 to qualify for the semifinals of the HSBC Rugby Premier League at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Gachibowli, here on Wednesday.

Bengaluru Bravehearts made a flying start as Jonas Mikalcius crossed over within minutes, but Kolkata Banga Tigers responded immediately through Vuiviwa Naduvalo on the left wing. Ngarohi McGarvey restored Bengaluru’s advantage before Naduvalo struck again to level the scores. Mikalcius then broke through the Tigers’ defence to give the Bravehearts the lead at half-time.

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Kolkata looked to fight back after the break, but a loose pass was intercepted by Shilton van Wyk, who extended Bengaluru’s advantage.

The Bravehearts maintained their defensive intensity and kept the Tigers at bay, although Naduvalo completed his hat-trick with a brilliant individual effort.

Bengaluru controlled possession in the closing stages to secure a hard-fought 26-21 victory.