A blistering schedule of 144 matches is scheduled for day two of the 50th Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens, with action spread across three Suva venues as organisers look to manage a huge field of teams at the milestone tournament. Matches are being played at the HFC Bank National Stadium precinct, Buckhurst Park and the Bidesi grounds at Laucala Bay, with play already under way mid‑morning.
Organisers reported that as of 11:57am three matches — labelled games 55, 56 and 57 on the programme — were in progress. At the HFC Bank National Stadium ground Black Heron were taking on Nakavu, Katie Rugby met Mosimosi Draubuta at Buckhurst Park, and Ratu Filise were up against KVT Tribal at the Bidesi grounds. Tournament officials say the multi‑ground format is required to accommodate the packed fixture list for the second day.
Earlier on day two teams produced contrasting results. The Vuna Brothers narrowly edged Island Brothers 10‑7 in one of the opening ties, setting the tone for a tightly contested morning in several pools. Defending champions Devo Babas made a statement in their first-day match, running in a dominant 24‑0 victory over Saint Theresa Rugby Club to underline their hopes of defending the title at the golden anniversary event.
The TISA Warriors, described in tournament literature as the national side’s shadow team, opened their Marist campaign with a commanding 31‑0 win over Naceva Blues, a result that highlighted their physical edge and depth as they continue preparations alongside the wider sevens programme. The comprehensive scoreline will be watched closely by selectors and supporters keen to see emerging combinations at the club level.
The 50th edition of the Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens has drawn a wide mix of traditional Marist‑affiliated sides, club teams and development outfits, prompting organisers to spread fixtures across HFC Bank National Stadium, Buckhurst Park and the Laucala Bay Bidesi grounds to keep the tournament on schedule. Barring any delays, the 144 matches pencilled in for day two will keep referees, medical staff and volunteers busy from morning into the afternoon.
As the tournament progresses through its packed day, attention will remain on marquee names such as Devo Babas and the Vuna Brothers, while the strong showing by the TISA Warriors provides added intrigue about which players might push for higher honours. Play continues across the three venues as the Marist Sevens moves through pool stages toward the knockout rounds later in the program.
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