Bengaluru Bravehearts Bounce Back as Hyderabad Heroes and Delhi Redz Shine in HSBC Rugby Premier League Season 2
The third day of the HSBC Rugby Premier League powered by Avid Season 2 delivered another entertaining evening of high-quality rugby in Hyderabad, with Bengaluru Bravehearts, Delhi Redz women, and Hyderabad Heroes emerging victorious, while the women’s clash between Chennai Bulls and Mumbai Dreamers ended in a thrilling draw.
Played at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Gachibowli, the day featured fast-paced action, dramatic comebacks and standout individual performances as teams continued their pursuit of early-season momentum.
The headline result of the day came in the men’s competition, where Bengaluru Bravehearts defeated Delhi Redz 38-28 in a contest packed with attacking flair.
Bengaluru made an ideal start when Akuila Rokolisoa crossed over to put his side ahead. However, Delhi responded almost immediately through Patrick Odongo, whose interception try brought the scores level and shifted momentum.
The Bravehearts regained control thanks to an outstanding performance from Shilton van Wyk, who scored two tries in quick succession to restore their advantage. Delhi refused to back down, with Luciano Gonzalez and Odongo producing crucial scores to edge the Redz into the lead before halftime.
The second half belonged once again to Van Wyk, who completed an impressive hat-trick shortly after the restart. Gonzalez answered with another individual moment of brilliance for Delhi, but Bengaluru continued to find ways to stay in front.
Ngarohi McGarvey added another important score before Ryan Apps sealed the outcome with a spectacular long-range try in the closing stages, helping Bengaluru secure an important 38-28 victory and return to winning ways.
The women’s fixture between Chennai Bulls and Mumbai Dreamers produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament so far, ending in a 26-26 draw. Mumbai struck first through Lachmi Oraon, but Chennai responded strongly as Savannah Bauder crossed over and successfully converted to swing the momentum in her team’s favour. Amandeep Kaur then extended Chennai’s lead during a dominant spell in the second quarter, with the Bulls appearing to take firm control of proceedings.
Mumbai mounted an impressive comeback after the break, courtesy of tries from Mama Naik and Grace Okulu, but Chennai continued to stay within touching distance through Sandhyarani Tudu.
As the match entered its final moments, Bhumika Shukla looked to have won it for Mumbai with a late try. However, Bauder had the final say, touching down in the dying stages to force a dramatic draw and ensure both teams walked away with a share of the points.
One of the biggest surprises of the day came in the women’s competition, where Delhi Redz produced a disciplined all-round display to defeat previously unbeaten Kolkata Banga Tigers 24-5. The Redz entered the contest with a clear defensive strategy aimed at containing Nia Toliver, who had scored back-to-back hat-tricks coming into the fixture. They executed that plan superbly, denying the star player the space and opportunities she had enjoyed in earlier matches.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Eden Kilgour finally broke the deadlock before Isadora Lopes capitalised on a counterattack to double Delhi’s advantage. Kolkata briefly threatened a comeback when Sofia Gonzalez reduced the deficit in the third quarter, but Delhi responded immediately through Camilla Carvalho, restoring control.
Lopes then added her second try of the evening with another counterattacking effort, completing a memorable upset and handing the Banga Tigers their most disappointing performance of the campaign.
The hosts, Hyderabad Heroes, also impressed as they defeated Chennai Bulls 24-5 in the men’s competition. Although Chennai started brightly and competed fiercely during the opening exchanges, Hyderabad gradually took control through the influence of Diego Ardao. Ardao broke the deadlock with the first try before quickly adding another to establish a commanding lead. Sustained pressure and superior ball retention eventually resulted in Sambit Pradhan extending Hyderabad’s advantage during the second quarter.
Chennai finally got on the scoreboard through Marcus Kershaw, whose try briefly raised hopes of a comeback. However, Hyderabad remained composed defensively and prevented the Bulls from building further momentum.
Late in the contest, Taitaifono Tavita crossed over to add the finishing touches and secure a convincing 24-5 victory for the home side.
With every passing matchday, the HSBC Rugby Premier League Season 2 continues to showcase the growing quality and competitiveness of rugby in India.
Bengaluru Bravehearts’ return to form, Delhi Redz women’s impressive upset over the league leaders, and Hyderabad Heroes’ clinical display have all added intrigue to the standings, while the dramatic draw between Chennai Bulls and Mumbai Dreamers highlighted the unpredictable nature of the women’s competition.
As the tournament progresses, teams will now look to build consistency and convert strong performances into winning streaks. If the action from Day 3 is any indication, fans can expect many more high-scoring encounters and thrilling finishes in the weeks ahead.
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