Devo Babas held their nerve to retain the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s crown, edging Nationwide Army Green 12–10 in a tense final at HFC Bank Stadium this evening. The Bua-based side dominated the first half to build a 12–0 lead, then weathered a fierce second-half fightback from Army Green to secure back-to-back titles at the tournament’s 50th edition.
From the first whistle Devo Babas controlled possession and territory, their structured attack and disciplined defence keeping the Army Green forwards on the back foot. Two well-taken tries before halftime put Devo Babas firmly in control and left the large centre of the stadium crowd questioning whether Army Green could find a route back into the contest.
Army Green answered after the break with renewed intensity. They finally broke the Devo Babas line for an unconverted try that reduced the deficit to 12–5 and swung momentum in their favour. The defence of the defending champions was tested repeatedly as Army Green pressed for the scores that would complete the comeback.
A second try from Army Green cut the margin to 12–10 and set up a dramatic finish. In the final minute the military side were awarded a series of penalties deep inside Devo Babas’ territory and piled the pressure on, but the champions displayed calm under fire. Devo Babas’ defensive discipline in the closing moments denied any successful late scoring opportunity, and the final whistle confirmed their narrow victory.
The win cements Devo Babas’ standing in the Fiji Bitter Sevens series, delivering consecutive Marist 7s crowns and underlining the strength of sevens rugby beyond the island’s more established club powers. For Nationwide Army Green, the narrow loss will be a bitter pill after mounting a spirited recovery, but their second-half showing confirmed they remain a formidable force in the competition.
As the 50th Marist 7s concludes, Devo Babas leave Suva having defended their title amid a tournament that celebrated a half-century of Fiji sevens tradition. Their resilience under late pressure will be a key takeaway for the side as the Fiji Bitter series continues, while Army Green will take lessons from tonight’s finish as they regroup for the next round of fixtures.
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