Delhi Redz dash Kolkata Banga Tigers’ hopes of reaching semifinals with a 40-28 victory

Delhi Redz scored a comfortable 40-28 victory over Kolkata Banga Tigers to end the latter’s hopes of reaching the semifinal of the HSBC Rugby Premier League powered by Avid Season 2.

In a superb all-round display Delhi Redz secured a comfortable win at the Ganti Mohana Chandra Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad on Thursday.

Redz beat Banga Tigers 40-28

Delhi Redz’s Josep Serres in action against Kolkata Banga Tigers at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday. Pics: Adimazes

Delhi Redz made a commanding start, patiently building their attacks before Nygel Amaitsa broke through to open the scoring. Samuel Asati and Josep Serres quickly added further tries, while Hitesh Dagar extended the advantage as the Redz dominated possession and territory. With their semi-final hopes hanging in the balance, Kolkata Banga Tigers finally found a response through Vuiviwa Naduvalo before half-time.

Serres struck again after the break, but Naduvalo almost single-handedly dragged the Tigers back into the contest with two brilliant individual tries late in the third quarter. Jon Okeyo restored Delhi’s breathing space in the final period, while Naduvalo produced another moment of magic, though the Redz maintained their composure and controlled the closing stages to secure an important win.

Bravehearts reach semifinals

On Wednesday, Bengaluru Bravehearts had defeated Kolkata Banga Tigers 26-21 to reach the semifinals of the tournament.

Bengaluru Bravehearts made a flying start as Jonas Mikalcius crossed over within minutes, but Kolkata Banga Tigers responded immediately through Vuiviwa Naduvalo on the left wing. Ngarohi McGarvey restored Bengaluru’s advantage before Naduvalo struck again to level the scores. Mikalcius then broke through the Tigers’ defence to give the Bravehearts the lead at half-time. Kolkata looked to fight back after the break, but a loose pass was intercepted by Shilton van Wyk, who extended Bengaluru’s advantage.

The Bravehearts maintained their defensive intensity and kept the Tigers at bay, although Naduvalo completed his hat-trick with a brilliant individual effort. Bengaluru controlled possession in the closing stages to secure a hard-fought 26-21 victory.