Kevin Wekesa inspires Hyderabad Heroes to maiden Rugby Premier League final

Hyderabad Heroes booked their place in the Rugby Premier League final for the first time after edging Chennai Bulls 29-24 in a thrilling semifinal clash played on Saturday, 27 June in India.

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Kenya Sevens international Kevin Wekesa was once again part of the Hyderabad Heroes side that showed resilience to overturn a late deficit and secure a historic victory.

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The win avenged last year’s semifinal heartbreak when the Heroes were eliminated by Delhi Redz in the inaugural edition of the competition. This time, they went one better by knocking out last season’s runners-up, Chennai Bulls.

The Heroes made the perfect start, capitalising on an early handling error from the Bulls. After winning possession, they executed a well-worked attacking move, with a slick series of passes ending in the opening try just three minutes into the match.

Chennai Bulls quickly settled into the contest and responded through Marika Koroibete, whose converted try handed them a narrow advantage before the end of the opening quarter.

Hyderabad, however, refused to be rattled. Taitaifono Tavita crossed over for their second try, restoring the lead despite the missed conversion.

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The Heroes carried that momentum into the second quarter, dominating possession from the restart. Their pressure paid dividends when Ravuama Seruvakula touched down for a converted try, extending Hyderabad’s advantage.

For the opening five minutes of the period, Chennai Bulls barely saw the ball. When they finally earned possession following a Hyderabad infringement, they made it count as Jugal Majhi crossed over to reduce the deficit to 17-14 heading into halftime.

The momentum swung in favour of Chennai after the break. Marcus Kershaw’s try, although unconverted, put the Bulls back in front before Hidayat Jerfffydin added another try to stretch their lead to 24-17.

A yellow card for the Bulls proved costly as Hyderabad found a way back into the contest. Captain Merino Manuel powered over late in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to just two points at 24-22 and setting up a tense finish.

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With a place in the final on the line, Hyderabad produced one final decisive attack. Sambit Pradhan crossed for the match-winning try in the closing stages before the successful conversion sealed a dramatic 29-24 victory.

The final is slated for Sunday, 28 June.