Traditionally teams from Chennai and Bengaluru have had an intense rivalry in Indian sport, and on Friday, in Mumbai at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex (Andheri Sports Complex), during the GMR Rugby Premier League, it was no different. The in-form Bravehearts won 26-0, handing the Chennai Bulls their first defeat of the season. This is also the first time, that a team has kept a clean sheet in this event.
Among the best teams in the GMR RPL’s first week, both sides played out a feisty first half, which included last ditch tackles and impressive counter attacks from Chennai and Bengaluru. After a scoreless first half, the Bengaluru Bravehearts were the ones who broke through – stretching the Chennai Bulls’ defence and then going over the line.
At the heart of the Bravehearts’ attack was Liam Poulton, who scored a couple of tries in the second half and was ably aided by Pol Pla adding a third try. Just before the final whistle Philip Wokorach added a fourth try, whilst Akuila Rokolisoa converted three out of the four kicks.
Delhi Redz beat Kalinga Black Tigers
Delhi Redz defeated Kalinga Black Tigers 21-7, to register their second consecutive win of the of the season. The Kalinga Black Tigers kicked off the contest at good speed, and were pushing the Delhi Redz’s defence back.
The continued pressure eventually paid off, as Kyle Tremblay picked up a lose ball and ran through for a try, and Maurice Longbottom calmly put it between the posts. However, before half-time, the Redz roared back into the contest. Matias Osadczuk and Patrick Okongo scored crucial tries, and then Osadczuk wasted no time with the conversions. Midway through the contest, the Redz led 14-7.
The Redz slammed the door shut on the Tigers’ attack in the second half, and didn’t concede an inch. With the Tigers desperate to make progress in the attacking half, the Redz took advantage with Matteo Graziano scoring a try, and Deepak Punia converting the kick to put the seal on the contest. Eventually the Redz won 21-7.
