Rugby Premier League: Patrick Odongo’s last-minute try propels Redz to final
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 29.06.25. | 21:42
The two semifinalists had met earlier in the week in a one-sided affair where Hyderabad romped to a 40-19 win
Kenya Sevens speedster Patrick Odongo scored in the dying minutes of the second Rugby Premier League (RPL) semifinal to fire Delhi Redz into the final with a dramatic 14-7 comeback win over Kevin Wekesa’s Hyderabad Heroes on Saturday at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai.
Odongo, known for his blistering pace and sharp instincts, sealed the game with a spectacular try down the right wing, outpacing Wekesa in a head-to-head sprint to ground the ball and turn the tie on its head.
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Deepak Punia’s subsequent conversion confirmed Delhi’s place in Sunday’s final, setting up a mouth-watering clash with Chennai Bulls.
The two semifinalists had met earlier in the week in a one-sided affair where Hyderabad romped to a 40-19 win.
But in Saturday’s rematch, Delhi showed resilience and tactical discipline, flipping the script in a gritty, hard-fought contest.
After a tense opening quarter that ended scoreless, Fijian playmaker Terio Tamani lit up the scoreboard for Hyderabad with a solo try, which he converted to give his side a 7-0 lead heading into halftime.
Hyderabad looked to consolidate in the third quarter, bringing on their influential finisher Kevin Wekesa. However, Delhi had other plans.
German international Robin Plumpe sliced through the Hyderabad defense for Delhi’s first try, and Argentina’s Matias Osadczuk slotted home the conversion to tie it at 7-7 heading into the final quarter.
With time ticking down and extra time looming, Odongo delivered the moment of the match, weaving down the touchline before diving across the whitewash to snatch the lead.
Punia's successful conversion capped the turnaround.
Earlier in the first semifinal, Uganda’s Philip Wokorach added to his try count for Bengaluru Bravehearts, but his side fell 31-12 to a dominant Chennai Bulls outfit.
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The Bulls were led by Vaafause Apelu Maliko, whose try brace brought his tournament tally to 14, cementing his position as top scorer.
Odongo now sits at eight tries, six behind Maliko, with Wekesa on six.
The race for the golden boot, while likely wrapped up, adds an extra layer of excitement ahead of Sunday’s grand finale.
The RPL final between Delhi Redz and Chennai Bulls and the third-place playoff featuring Bengaluru Bravehearts and Hyderabad Heroes will take place on Sunday, 29, June at the Andheri Sports Complex.
