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Wardens are the new Fiji Marist Sevens champions after they beat a hugely ill disciplined Army Green 14-12 in a fascinating final in Suva.

It was heart break for Army Green who also lost out narrowly at the recent Nawaka Sevens.       

Army found themselves on the wrong side of IRB referee James Bolabiu who sent four of their players to the bin throughout the tournament’s finale.

Despite their considerable numerical advantage the Wardens were not able to capitalise and had to rely on the experience of national sevens representative Setefano Cakau to win the $15,000.
 

Army scored first with Aisake Katonibau sneaking in for an opportunist touchdown.

But a break by the Wardens’ Lepani Botei from inside his own half saw Mitieli Tokalau coming in to finish off the attack under the posts. The try was converted and Wardens led 7-5.

The first Army player to be sent to the bin was Aminiasi Nava for a dangerous tackle. He was joined by Napolioni Naulia (Wardens) and Mosese Vatunitu (Army) from Wardens for a flurry of punches.

The tempo of the game started to build up at the start of the second half as both teams looked for the winning try.

Army captain Dale Tonawai was also sent to the bin for a dangerous tackle and he was also followed by Iveri Lavo for arguing with referee Bolabiu.

Wardens called upon Cakau and the Namosi man showed his class to run in from 55 meters to score a well deserved try under the posts which was converted to give them the lead.

Naulia scored a late try for Army but it was not enough as the siren sounded and ensured the Wardens took home the top prize.

In the semi-finals the Wardens beat Hydro (22-0) with the Army overcoming Veiyasana Babas 19-7). Army Green defeated Police Blue 17-12, Veiyasana upset Red Rock 14-10, Wardens beat USP 17-5 and Hydro defeated Ratu Filise 12-7.

The hotly anticipated Waimanu side failed to make the knockouts despite including the likes of Nasoni Roko, Peni Rokodiva and Lemeki Duidomo.

Despite wins over Yaqeta Sharks (19-0) and Red Rock 2 (17-0) they could only muster draws against Naba and Veiyasana Baba.

FSC Eagles enjoyed a 14-12 victory over neighbours Nawaka in the Under-19 final.

Army Green, Police Blue, Veiyasana Babas, Ratu Filise, Wardens, USP, Hydro and Red Rock are all through to the quarter-finals of the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s tournament.

In the elimination rounds, Army Green defeated Mala Young Boys by 19-7.

They will now meet Police Blue in the last eight after the Etonia Naba led side beat Warrick 12-5 in the second elimination match.

Veiyasana Babas and two time Marist Sevens winners Red Rock will face off in the other quarter-final.

Veiyasana were too strong for Saint Michael beating them by 33-0 while Red Rock out-smarted Vuda Kings by 12-7.

Wardens defeated Bainivualiku 24-19 to set up a quarterfinal clash with USP who beat PWD Bure 19-14 while the last quarter-final will see Nawaka Sevens winners Ratu Filise take on Hydro.

Ratu Filise defeated City eagles 19-14 in the last 16 and Hydro won 7-5 over Nabua.
The hotly anticipated Waimanu side failed to make the knockouts despite including the likes of Nasoni Roko, Peni Rokodiva and Lemeki Duidomo.

Despite wins over Yaqeta Sharks (19-0) and Red Rock 2 (17-0) they could only muster draws against Naba and Veiyasana Baba.