Rugby Premier League: Kevin Wekesa bags award as Hyderabad Heroes secure victory
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 17.06.25. | 21:42
Scott Curry notched his second try of the tournament just two minutes in, before Wekesa completed his brace after a slick passage of play
Kabras RFC's ace Kevin Wekesa lit up the Mumbai Football Arena on Tuesday, 17 June, as he powered Hyderabad Heroes to a commanding 43-7 win over Belanguru Bravehearts in the ongoing inaugural Rugby Premier League in India.
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The Kenya Sevens' powerhouse was named Man of the Match after a performance that sent the Heroes' fans into a frenzy.
From the kickoff, Wekesa stamped his authority, catching the high ball with intent and immediately setting the tone for the Heroes. While that early break did not yield a try, it rattled the Bravehearts, who were soon reduced to six men following an infringement.
The numerical advantage was all the Heroes needed. They capitalised quickly, crossing the try line to open their account.
Wekesa then added to the tally with a barnstorming run that sent the crowd into a frenzy. "Big man from Kenya. They call him Big Kev," exclaimed the commentator as Wekesa touched down.
The missed conversion brought the curtain down on a dominant opening quarter.
In the second quarter, Heroes' momentum only grew stronger. Scott Curry notched his second try of the tournament just two minutes in, before Wekesa completed his brace after a slick passage of play.
Motu Opetai then released Javed Hussein, who finished off another brilliant move. Terio Tamani’s successful conversion pushed the lead to 31-0 at halftime.
The Bravehearts briefly found some rhythm in the third quarter, with Lowane Teba scoring a converted try to reduce the deficit to 31-7. But that was as good as it got for the southern outfit.
In the final quarter, Joji Nasova, who has been in red-hot form, added to the Heroes’ tally with his fourth try of the weekend.
Hacker, a German-based player, bulldozed over for another five-pointer, sealing the comprehensive 43-7 victory.
Bravehearts' Philip Wokorach came close to a late consolation try, but the referee ruled it out.
Delhi Redz suffer first loss
Meanwhile, Patrick Odongo's Delhi Redz had a rough start as Chennai Bulls opened with a lightning-fast try, Apelo Maliko racing over within the first minute after pouncing on a loose ball from the kickoff.
Redz’ woes worsened as they were reduced to six men due to an infringement, and Bulls took full advantage. Maliko bagged his fifth try of the tournament, and with a successful conversion, the Bulls led 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.
The Bulls’ physical dominance continued in the second quarter, overpowering Redz in both attack and defense. A handling error from Delhi gave Bulls another opportunity, and they did not waste it, extending their lead further.
Redz brought on Odongo in the third quarter in a bid to shake things up. While his presence added physicality and moments of flair, constant handling errors saw the Redz struggle to keep possession.
In the final quarter, Odongo continued to threaten the Bulls' defense, even stopping a try with a heroic tackle that forced a lineout.
Just before the final whistle, Odongo set up Wybor for Delhi’s first and only try of the game. A successful conversion made the final score 21-7 in favour of the Bulls.
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