The inaugural season of the GMR Rugby Premier League (RPL) is heating up as the Hyderabad Heroes stormed to the top of the points table after a commanding win on the final day of the league stage, hosted at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex, Mumbai. In another thrilling clash, Mumbai Dreamers earned their first win of the tournament, delighting home fans by defeating the Bengaluru Bravehearts.
Semi-Final Line-Up Confirmed
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Hyderabad Heroes vs Delhi Redz
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Chennai Bulls vs Bengaluru Bravehearts
These two exciting semi-finals will be played on Saturday, setting the stage for a dramatic finish to Season 1.
Match 1: Hyderabad Heroes 31–7 Delhi Redz
The Hyderabad Heroes showcased their attacking flair from the very first minute. Sukumar Hembrom ignited the game with a quick-fire try, converted by the ever-reliable Terio Tamani. Though Delhi Redz responded with a penalty try, Hyderabad quickly regained dominance.
In a superb first half:
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Terio Tamani set up Sambit Pradhan for a brilliant score.
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Joji Nasova also crossed the line with a try.
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Tamani converted both, giving Hyderabad a 21-7 lead at half-time.
The second half saw:
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Lautaro Velez and Manuel Moreno scoring additional tries.
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Final score: 31-7 in Hyderabad’s favor.
With this win, the Heroes cemented their position at the top of the points table, looking every bit like title contenders.
Match 2: Mumbai Dreamers 26–14 Bengaluru Bravehearts
In front of a roaring home crowd, Mumbai Dreamers finally found form, playing a free-flowing game against the Bengaluru Bravehearts.
Early in the game:
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Philip Wokorach scored the opener for Bengaluru.
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Akuila Rokolisoa made the conversion (7-0).
However, Mumbai hit back:
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James Turner and Vuiviwa Naduvalo scored superb tries.
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Akash Balmiki converted both.
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Elias Hancock added a try before halftime.
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Score at break: 19-7, Dreamers leading.
In the second half:
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Rokolisoa scored and converted to reduce the gap (19-14).
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But Turner’s second try and another Balmiki conversion sealed the deal.
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Final score: 26-14.
It was a dream finish for Mumbai, who secured their only win of the season in front of their home supporters.
Tournament Momentum Builds
As Season 1 of the GMR Rugby Premier League reaches its decisive stage, excitement continues to grow around this landmark rugby initiative in India. With rising stars and international names performing on the pitch, the semi-finals promise high-intensity rugby action.
