Rugby Premier League: Bengaluru Bravehearts jump to top of the table with win over Mumbai Dreamers
Hyderabad, June 20
On the fourth day of the Rugby Premier League, Mumbai Dreamers men, Chennai Bulls women, Kolkata Banga Tigers women, and Bengaluru Bravehearts men achieved victories at the Ganti Mohana Chandra Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Gachibowli.
After a closely fought first period, Shilton van Wyk scored to give Bengaluru Bravehearts Men the lead in the first quarter. The game stayed competitive in the second quarter, with both teams evenly matched. Bengaluru increased their effort after halftime, and Zain Davids added a vital try to extend their lead. Brady Rush managed to get Kolkata Banga Tigers Men onto the scoreboard in the final quarter, but Bengaluru Bravehearts maintained their control and secured the win.
After a close-opening quarter, Mumbai Dreamers Men took the lead with Neeraj Khatri, followed quickly by James Turner, putting them ahead. Delhi Redz Men responded in the second quarter with skillful passing, enabling Josep Serres to score their first try. Guillaume Bouche extended Mumbai's lead before halftime, while Patrick Odongo's counterattack kept Delhi competitive. Nevertheless, Mumbai maintained control of possession and territory in the second half, ensuring a solid 31-14 win.
Eden Kilgour scored early for Delhi Redz Women, but Adia Pye quickly replied for Chennai Bulls Women. A try by Lavena Cavuru after an interception shifted momentum back to Delhi, with Kilgour and Cavuru increasing their scores to establish a strong lead. The Bulls mounted a robust comeback led by Savannah Bauder and Larah Wright in the third quarter, and Pye briefly put Chennai in the lead in the final period. Kilgour then regained Delhi's advantage, but Bauder's break in extra time secured a thrilling victory for the Bulls.
Kolkata Banga Tigers Women made an aggressive start and were rewarded when Nia Toliver broke through late in the opening quarter to score the first try. The Tigers continued to dominate possession, with Shiniqwa Lamprecht extending their advantage. Mumbai Dreamers Women intensified their efforts after halftime, but Kolkata's defense remained resilient. Sofia Gonzalez's early-fourth-quarter score provided the Tigers with some relief, and although Maria Tshiremba scored for Mumbai, the delay was too great, and Kolkata ultimately won.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some good sports coverage! The Rugby Premier League is building a great fanbase. Zain Davids' try for Bengaluru was crucial - shows how important individual brilliance can be in this game. Hope more people start following rugby, it's a fast and exciting sport.
The women's matches are producing the most drama it seems! Chennai Bulls coming back to win in extra time - that's proper heart and fight. The league seems to be attracting some quality international players too. Good for Indian rugby development.
So proud to see multiple Indian names in the scoring - Neeraj Khatri for Mumbai Dreamers, that's our guy! 🎉 Rugby is growing nicely in India. The league format with men's and women's teams competing together is a great initiative.
Good to see competitive matches, but I wish the coverage was more detailed. The article jumps between games without giving us the full feel of the atmosphere. Still, positive step for Indian rugby - keep it going RPL! 💪
The Kolkata Banga Tigers women's team showing great defensive resilience! Holding off Mumbai's pressure after halftime takes real character. This league is doing wonders for rugby in India - both men's and women's games getting equal spotlight.
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