Chennai Bulls reach semifinals as Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes win
Chennai Bulls secured a semifinal berth after a 14-14 draw with Bengaluru Bravehearts in the HSBC Rugby Premier League. Delhi Redz knocked out Kolkata Banga Tigers 40-28, while Hyderabad Heroes dominated Mumbai Dreamers 33-0 with a commanding all-round display
Hyderabad: Chennai Bulls qualified for the semifinals with a 14-14 draw against Bengaluru Bravehearts, while Delhi Redz and hosts Hyderabad Heroes secured victories in the HSBC Rugby Premier League at the GMC Balayogi Stadium here on Thursday.
Delhi Redz knocked out Kolkata Banga Tigers with a 40-28 victory.
The Redz made a commanding start, patiently building their attacks before Nygel Amaitsa broke through to open the scoring. Samuel Asati and Josep Serres quickly added further tries, while Hitesh Dagar extended the advantage as the Redz dominated possession and territory.
With their semifinal hopes hanging in the balance, Kolkata Banga Tigers finally found a response through Vuiviwa Naduvalo before half-time. Serres struck again after the break, but Naduvalo almost single-handedly dragged the Tigers back into the contest with two brilliant individual tries late in the third quarter.
Jon Okeyo restored Delhi’s breathing space in the final period, while Naduvalo produced another moment of magic. However, the Redz maintained their composure and controlled the closing stages to secure an important win.
Hyderabad Heroes overpowered Mumbai Dreamers 33-0.
The Heroes dictated proceedings through swift ball movement and aggressive defensive pressure, stretching the Dreamers across the width of the field. Manuel Moreno opened the scoring after a well-worked move before Taitaifono Tavita exploited space out wide to add another try.
The Heroes continued to dominate territory in the second quarter, with Tavita crossing over again from the left wing and Francisco Cosculluela capitalising on sustained pressure as Mumbai struggled to retain possession and build phases.
Although the Dreamers tightened their defence in the third quarter and limited scoring opportunities, Hyderabad maintained control through possession and field position. Ravuama Seruvakula eventually broke through in the final quarter, while the Heroes’ organised defence and superior pace prevented Mumbai from finding a way onto the scoresheet.
