ARMY Green is the new Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens champion after they defeated Ratu Filise 21-14 in the final at the tfl National Stadium yesterday.

The win was even sweeter for Dale Tonawai's men as they took home the $25,000 that was on offer for the winning team.

Ratu Filise made a slow start in the final allowing the soldiers to take a commanding 21-7 lead going into the dying moments of the game.

Army's tries were scored by Nemani Turagaulu, Jone Natua and Manueli Gade while Etuate Gusuivale and Mesake Seavula scored a try each for Ratu Filise.

Ratu Filise made their way to the final after beating Red Rock 26-10 while Army defeated rivals Police 19-14 in a tough encounter.

Lolo Lui's Samoa Babarians were crowned Fiji Gold champions after they defeated Vatukoula 17-7 in the final.

Samoa Barbarians Coach Stephen Betham said while it was disappointing not making the cup competition, he was still happy that they managed to have some quality matches in the tournament.

Betham said participating in the Marist tournament was a good learning experience for them especially as they faced a lot of quality teams.

"We came here knowing that it will not be easy but we have learnt a lot from playing here," Betham said.

"Playing in Fiji will surely do a lot in helping prepare our young players."

Betham said coming to play in Fiji was part of their preparations for the next leg of the IRB HSBC World Sevens Series in Hong Kong and Adelaide.

Samoa did not make the cup eliminations as they had finished second in their pool after losing to an unknown Waiqanake side in pool play.

Sponsors Fosters has confirmed that after a good performance from the Samoa Barbarians, they would try to bring more teams from Samoa.

"Next year's tournament will be bigger and better. We will be getting more teams from Samoa to come and play in the Marist Sevens," said Fosters sales and marketing manager Joe Rodan.

The Digicel Barbarians who used the tournament as a trial before the final squad for the Hong Kong and Adelaide Sevens is named, lost out in the cup quarter-finals to Ratu Filise 21-7.