Kevin Wekesa powers Hyderabad Heroes into Rugby Premier League semifinals

Kenya Sevens forward Kevin Wekesa was among the standout performers as Hyderabad Heroes secured top spot in the Rugby Premier League standings and booked their place in the semi-finals with a commanding 28-0 victory on the final day of the group stage on Friday, 26 June.

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The final round of pool matches at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad also saw Mumbai Dreamers and Delhi Redz register crucial wins to complete the semi-final lineup.

Hyderabad Heroes will now face Chennai Bulls in the first semifinal slated for Saturday, 27 June while Bengaluru Bravehearts will take on Mumbai Dreamers in the second last-four clash.

Wekesa continued his impressive campaign by crossing for a try as Hyderabad dominated Kolkata. The Kenyan forward powered over after sustained pressure, capitalising on the Heroes' slick ball movement and ability to exploit space.

Maurice Longbottom added another try early in the third quarter, while Hyderabad's disciplined defensive display denied Kolkata any meaningful scoring opportunities to complete an emphatic shutout victory and seal first place.

Elsewhere, Mumbai Dreamers defeated Chennai Bulls 19-12 to cement their place in the semi-finals.

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The Dreamers made a fast start through Prince Khatri and James Turner, who both crossed in the opening quarter to establish an early lead. Sebastiaan Jobb then sprinted down the right wing after the restart to extend Mumbai's advantage.

Chennai Bulls responded through Hidayat Jerffrydin, who broke through on the right flank for their opening score, before Marcus Kershaw finished a flowing move down the left wing to reduce the deficit. However, Mumbai held firm in the closing stages to secure victory.

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The day's most dramatic encounter saw Patrick Odongo’s Delhi Redz produce a stunning comeback to edge Bengaluru Bravehearts 35-33.

Bengaluru appeared to be cruising after Kitiona Vai scored within seconds before adding a second try in the second quarter. Akuila Rokolisoa also bagged a brace, while Shilton Wyk's clever kick-and-chase helped the Bravehearts establish a 12-point cushion heading into the final quarter.

Delhi, however, refused to surrender. Kenya Sevens international Samuel Asati had earlier opened the Redz's account with a well-worked team try before Gonzalez, and Josep Serres sparked the late fightback.

Kenya Sevens ace John Okoth then produced a decisive moment, capitalising on a turnover to score on the counterattack and swing momentum in Delhi's favour. Deepak Punia calmly converted the winning score to complete a remarkable comeback and hand the Redz a memorable 35-33 victory.

Despite the victory, the Delhi Redz missed out on a semifinal slot.