RPL Season 2: Mumbai Dreamers stay unbeaten with 12-10 win over Hyderabad Heroes
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai Dreamers edged out Hyderabad Heroes 12-10 in a pulsating top-of-the-table clash on Day 6 of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) Season 2, extending their unbeaten run to five matches — the longest in the league's current edition. The match was played at the Ganti Mohana Chandra Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Gachibowli, Hyderabad on 21 June. In the other men's fixture of the day, Bengaluru Bravehearts dismantled Chennai Bulls 33-12 to claim a commanding victory.
Mumbai Dreamers Snatch Late Win Against Hyderabad Heroes
The top-of-the-table encounter lived up to its billing, with both sides matching each other in intensity from the first whistle. Diego Ardao gave Hyderabad Heroes the lead late in the first quarter, only for Guillaume Bouche to level for the Dreamers in a tightly contested second period.
Strong defensive organisation from Mumbai kept the match finely balanced through the third quarter. Ardao struck again early in the final period to restore the Heroes' advantage, threatening to hand the hosts a crucial victory. However, a late try from Lucas Mignot in extra time allowed the Dreamers to snatch the win and preserve their perfect record.
Bengaluru Bravehearts Dismantle Chennai Bulls 33-12
Bengaluru Bravehearts made an assured start to their fixture against Chennai Bulls, with Jonas Mikalcius opening the scoring on the left wing. The Bulls fought back in first-quarter stoppage time through Santiago Alvarez, before Marcus Kershaw gave Chennai the lead.
Ryan Apps levelled for Bengaluru in the third quarter with his trademark pace, and sustained pressure allowed Ganesh Majhi to restore the Bravehearts' advantage. Apps added his second try early in the final quarter, with Devendra Padir crossing over late as Bengaluru controlled possession to seal a comprehensive 33-12 victory.
What Remains on Day 6
The action at Gachibowli was not over following the men's fixtures. The women's franchises Chennai Bulls and Mumbai Dreamers were scheduled to face off, as were Kolkata Banga Tigers and Delhi Redz. The day's final match was set to see the men's sides of Delhi Redz and Kolkata Banga Tigers go head-to-head.
RPL Season 2 Standings in Focus
Mumbai Dreamers' fifth consecutive win cements their position at the summit of the RPL Season 2 standings. Their ability to grind out close results — as demonstrated against Hyderabad — underlines a squad depth and defensive resilience that rivals will need to account for. Bengaluru's emphatic result, meanwhile, signals their own title ambitions as the league progresses.