Hyderabad Heroes top rugby league table with 28-0 win at GMC Balayogi Stadium

The Hyderabad Heroes secured the top spot in the HSBC Rugby Premier League standings on Friday after a dominant 28-0 victory over the Kolkata Banga Tigers at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad. The win concluded the league stage of the tournament, setting up a semifinal clash between the Hyderabad Heroes and the Chennai Bulls scheduled for Saturday.

During the match, the Hyderabad Heroes established their dominance early with a high-tempo attack and quick ball movement, stretching the Kolkata defence across the field. Sumit Roy opened the scoring within the first few minutes of the game. Soon after, Ravuama Seruvakula sold a clever dummy on the left wing to double Hyderabad's lead.

The Heroes continued to trouble Kolkata in the second quarter through crisp passing and effective use of space. Sustained pressure allowed Kevin Wekesa to break through the defensive line and score another try. Maurice Longbottom extended the momentum early in the third quarter, while Hyderabad's disciplined defence prevented the Tigers from scoring, securing the shutout victory.

In other league matches played at the stadium on Friday, Mumbai Dreamers secured a 19-12 win over Chennai Bulls. Mumbai took an early lead through first-quarter tries from Prince Khatri and James Turner, followed by a sprint down the right wing by Sebastiaan Jobb after the restart. Chennai responded later in the game with a try from Hidayat Jerffrydin on the right wing.

Additionally, Delhi Redz pulled off a 35-33 upset victory against the Bengaluru Bravehearts. Although Bengaluru's Kitiona Vai scored within seconds of the start, Delhi responded when Samuel Asati finished a well-worked move after the team spread the ball wide.

Following the conclusion of the league stage, the semifinal matchups for Saturday are confirmed. The Hyderabad Heroes will face the Chennai Bulls, while the Bengaluru Bravehearts are scheduled to play the Mumbai Dreamers.