Hyderabad Heroes top group stage; Mumbai Dreamers, Delhi Redz also win
Hyderabad Heroes finished atop the HSBC Rugby Premier League standings with a commanding 28-0 win over Kolkata Banga Tigers. Mumbai Dreamers and Delhi Redz also recorded victories, completing the league stage and confirming the semifinal fixtures scheduled for Saturday
Hyderabad: Hyderabad Heroes, Mumbai Dreamers and Delhi Redz registered victories in the HSBC Rugby Premier League at the GMC Balayogi Stadium here on Friday. Hyderabad Heroes, who finished the group stage at the top of the table, set up a semifinal clash with Chennai Bulls, while Bengaluru Bravehearts will face Mumbai Dreamers in the second semifinal on Saturday.
Heroes defeated Kolkata Banga Tigers 28-0, imposing themselves from the outset with a high-tempo attack and quick ball movement, stretching the Tigers’ defence across the field.
Sumit Roy opened the scoring within minutes before Ravuama Seruvakula sold a clever dummy on the left wing to double Hyderabad’s advantage. Their crisp passing and ability to exploit space continued to trouble Kolkata in the second quarter, with Kevin Wekesa breaking through after sustained pressure to add another try. Maurice Longbottom kept the momentum going early in the third quarter, while Hyderabad’s disciplined defensive line denied the Tigers any meaningful opportunities, completing a dominant shutout performance.
Mumbai Dreamers recorded a 19-12 win over Chennai Bulls, seizing control early with aggressive defence and sharp attacking transitions that put the Bulls under pressure from the opening exchanges.
Prince Khatri and James Turner crossed over in the first quarter to establish an early advantage before Sebastiaan Jobb sprinted down the right wing to extend the lead after the restart. Chennai gradually found their rhythm through improved possession, with Hidayat Jerffrydin breaking through on the right to get them on the board.
In another match, Delhi Redz registered a 35-33 upset win over Bengaluru Bravehearts.
The Bravehearts made a flying start as Kitiona Vai raced away to score within seconds, but Delhi responded by spreading the ball wide, allowing Samuel Asati to finish a well-worked move.
