RPL Season 1: Chennai Bulls continue unbeaten run; Delhi Redz register first win

IANS June 18, 2025 389 views

The Chennai Bulls maintained their unbeaten streak with a hard-fought 26-26 draw against Kalinga Black Tigers. Delhi Redz finally opened their account with a convincing 20-7 win over struggling Mumbai Dreamers. Perry Baker and Maurice Longbottom starred for the Tigers, while Jordan Conroy's double try sealed Delhi's victory. The results keep Chennai at the top of the RPL standings.

"Just as the Kalinga Black Tigers looked set for their first win, Vaafauese Maliko's try saved Chennai Bulls" – Match Report
Mumbai, June 18: The Chennai Bulls continued their unbeaten run in Season 1 of the Rugby Premier League (RPL), as they were held 26-26 by Kalinga Black Tigers at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex (Andheri Sports Complex), here on Wednesday.

Key Points

1

Chennai Bulls remain unbeaten after thrilling 26-26 draw

2

Delhi Redz dominate Mumbai Dreamers 20-7 for first win

3

Perry Baker and Maurice Longbottom shine for Kalinga Black Tigers

4

Jordan Conroy leads Delhi Redz with two tries

Meanwhile, the Delhi Redz also picked up their first win of the competition against the Mumbai Dreamers, who are yet to win a game. The Chennai Bulls and the Kalinga Black Tigers played out an absolute thriller which ended 26-26 in the opening game of the day. After that, the Delhi Redz defeated the Mumbai Dreamers by a margin of 20-7. The results will see the Chennai Bulls retain their top spot on the points table.

It was the Kalinga Black Tigers who were out of the blocks the fastest, with Perry Baker getting the first try of the game, and Maurice Longbottom promptly converted too. After that, the Chennai Bulls equalised Joaquin Pellandini’s try and kick. That was the lull before the storm, as the Tigers went through the gears before half-time. Kyle Tremblay and James Thiel added a try each, and Longbottom managed to convert another kick. Just before the break, Aryan Dixit scored a try for the Bulls, as both teams took a breather with seven points between them.

Early in the second half, the Bulls levelled things up with Filipe Sauturaga scoring a try and converting as well. In the final quarter though, the Kalinga Black Tigers surged ahead as Ajay Deswal bagged a try and Longbottom once again put it between the poles. Just as the Kalinga Black Tigers looked set for their first win of the season, Vaafauese Maliko scored a try and Joaquin Pellandini converted his kick from the wing to ensure the Bulls would not lose the game.

In the second game of the day, the Delhi Redz had the Mumbai Dreamers in front of them. It was the Dreamers who began strongly as James Turner scored a try and Akash Balmiki converted after that. From then on, the Dreamers did well to hold onto the lead till half-time. After the break, the Delhi Redz stormed back into the contest. Alejandro Laforga scored a try first while Jordan Conroy added two more, which was complemented by Deepak Punia’s conversion with the final move of the game. Deepak Punia also scored a dropkick, which helped his side register a comprehensive 20-7 win on the night.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
What a thrilling match between Chennai Bulls and Kalinga Tigers! 🏉 Rugby is finally getting the attention it deserves in India. Hope to see more such close contests in RPL. Chennai's unbeaten streak is impressive but Tigers gave them a real fight today!
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Priya M.
Finally Delhi Redz showed some fight! Their defense was much improved today. But Mumbai Dreamers need to pull up their socks - losing all matches so far is not a good look for a city with such strong sports culture.
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Arjun S.
The foreign players are really raising the level of Indian rugby. Perry Baker and Maurice Longbottom were outstanding today. But proud to see our own boys like Aryan Dixit and Deepak Punia holding their own against international stars!
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Sunita R.
I attended the match today and the energy was electric! 😍 More people should come support RPL. The players are giving their all and deserve better crowds. Hope Star Sports promotes it more aggressively.
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Vikram J.
While the matches are exciting, the league needs to work on better commentary. Many technical aspects of rugby go unexplained for new viewers. A little more educational commentary would help grow the sport's fanbase.
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Neha P.
Chennai Bulls are proving why they're the team to beat! Their never-give-up attitude in today's match was inspiring. That last-minute equalizer had me jumping off my couch! More power to RPL for bringing rugby to mainstream Indian sports.

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