Brave hearts secure semifinal spot with comeback

Mumbai

Bengaluru Bravehearts booked their place in the semi-finals with a thrilling 34-26 comeback win over the Kalinga Black Tigers, thanks to standout performances from Liam Poulton, Philip Wokorach, and Arpan Chhetri. The victory secures Bengaluru the third semifinal spot and moves them to second on the points table, edging ahead of Chennai Bulls on score difference. Both teams are tied at 21 points after nine matches.

Kalinga started strong, leading 14-0 in the first half. However, Bengaluru staged a trademark comeback, with tries from Wokorach and Chhetri setting the tone. Player of the Match Liam Poulton scored crucial tries to completely shut out Kalinga’s late-game resurgence.

“We’ve done a great job in the league so far, but now it’s time to push even harder and reach the finals,” said Bravehearts head coach Francisco Hernandez. Co-captain Scott Curry echoed the sentiment: “Making the semis was the first goal. We now focus on carrying this momentum into the last league game and the knockouts.”

Wokorach now has nine tries in as many games and is just one behind the league’s top scorer. Teammate Akuila Rokolisoa leads in conversions (14) and total points (53), further highlighting Bengaluru’s strength.

The Bravehearts will face the Mumbai Dreamers on June 27 in their final league fixture. The outcome will determine their semifinal opponent as the race to the title intensifies. With consistent top-three finishes and high-impact players, Bengaluru Bravehearts remain strong contenders for the championship as they eye a spot in the finals.