A knock-on in the dying seconds of the semi-final denied Yaro Chiefs a place in the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s final as Army edged through to tonight’s title match with a 25–21 victory. The late error, committed by Stark with a single play remaining, allowed the referee to sound the final hooter and sent Army into the decider.
The Chiefs had taken the initiative early in the contest and looked well placed to press their advantage, but momentum shifted as the match progressed and Army rallied to build a narrow lead. With the scoreboard reading 25–21 and only one chance left to secure a comeback, Stark’s fumble — adjudged a knock-on — ended any hopes of a last-gasp counter and confirmed Army as the first finalists.
The semi-final was a tense, see-sawing affair that hinged on fine margins. Yaro Chiefs’ early pressure had kept Army pinned for long spells, but the defending resilience and clinical finishing of Army in key moments proved decisive. The late-stage error has been singled out as the pivotal moment: the referee blew the hooter immediately after the knock-on, leaving the Chiefs no time to contest possession or mount a final play.
In the other semi, Devo Babas survived their own nervy finish, edging Warden Gold 15–10. That match, like the first, went down to the wire as both teams traded momentum and discipline became crucial. Devo Babas held firm in the closing stages and capitalised on a late lapse by Warden Gold to seal their place in the final.
With those results confirmed, Army and Devo Babas will meet tonight for the Marist 7s championship. The two sides now have a few hours to regroup and reset following contrasting semi-final narratives: Army advancing through a dramatic final play, and Devo Babas grinding out a narrow, opportunistic win.
The crowd’s attention has remained on the Marist 7s programme throughout the evening, with a Legends exhibition clash currently underway to entertain spectators between the knockout fixtures. The exhibition has provided a lighter counterpoint to the high-stakes semi-finals and will lead into the main event later tonight.
The late, decisive moments of both semis underline how quickly fortunes can turn in sevens rugby — a single error or opportunistic play is often the difference between a final berth and an early exit. For Yaro Chiefs, Stark’s knock-on will be a moment to rue; for Army and Devo Babas, it sets up a winner-takes-all clash for the Marist 7s crown.
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