Chennai Bulls Reclaim Top Spot in GMR Rugby Premier League
Exciting Matches Highlight GMR Rugby Premier League
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 23: The Chennai Bulls have surged back to the top of the points table, while the Hyderabad Heroes faced a setback against the spirited Bengaluru Bravehearts.
In the day's second match, the Mumbai Dreamers, who initially held a strong lead, ultimately settled for a draw against the Kalinga Black Tigers at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex in Mumbai during Season 1 of the GMR Rugby Premier League.
The opening match saw the Bengaluru Bravehearts end the Hyderabad Heroes' winning streak with a close score of 26-21. The Bravehearts started strong, with international players Akuila Rokolisoa and Philip Wokorach making significant contributions. Rokolisoa scored a try and converted it, while Wokorach added another try, giving the Bravehearts an early 12-0 advantage. The Heroes responded with a try from Wolfram Hacker, followed by a successful conversion from Manuel Moreno.
Before halftime, Iowane Teba's try and Rokolisoa's conversion extended the Bravehearts' lead. Although the Heroes, who began the match at the top of the table, rallied back with two tries from Terio Tamani, they found themselves trailing 21-19 with just four minutes remaining.
However, the Bravehearts fought back, with Pol Pla scoring five points and Rokolisoa adding two more, ultimately securing a vital victory.
In the second match, the Chennai Bulls reclaimed their position at the top with a decisive 24-7 victory over the Delhi Redz. The Redz started strong, taking an early lead with a try from Matteo Graziano and a conversion by Matias Osadczuk.
Yet, the Bulls showcased their prowess as Vaafauese Maliko scored two tries, giving them a narrow lead at halftime. After the break, Maliko completed his hat-trick, supported by a successful conversion from Filipe Sauturaga, extending their lead to ten points. Haakon Oess added another five points, with Sauturaga converting again, solidifying the Bulls' win.
The final match of the day ended in a thrilling 17-17 draw between the Kalinga Black Tigers and the Mumbai Dreamers, marking the Dreamers' first points of the season. The Tigers initially took the lead with a try from Asis Sabar.
The Dreamers equalized with a try from Elias Hancock, followed by a successful conversion from Waisea Nacuqu. After halftime, Vuiviawa Naduvalo and Henry Hutchison scored for the Dreamers, extending their lead to twelve points. The Tigers responded with a try and conversion from Ethan Turner, and in the closing moments, Perry Baker scored to equalize, salvaging a tie for the Tigers.