The opening day of the 50th Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens finished with a soak but no slowdown, as an early downpour gave way to fast, bruising rugby and a full slate of quarter-finals that set the semi-final line-ups in both the women’s and Under‑18/21 divisions. Organisers squeezed 66 matches into the day, and by nightfall four women’s and four U18-21 sides had punched their tickets to Saturday’s semi-finals.
In the women’s draw defending champions Navy — listed as Fresh’et Navy in the organisers’ programme — were the first to qualify after a commanding 27-5 victory over Darth Mouth Women’s. Police Blues followed with a clinical 21-5 win against the Seahawks to claim their place in the last four. Kasiabia Sinukakala survived a tight contest with the Lilian Amazons, edging a 12-7 win to keep their cup run alive, while Ezra Women’s held on for a 19-12 victory over Loloma Heights to round out the semi-finalists.
The Under‑18/21 quarter-finals also produced close contests and a couple of dominant displays. Devo Young Babas delivered a statement performance, blanking Communion Nahehevia 21-0 to become the first U18-21 team through to the semis. Axellarate Aflame Brothers advanced after a hard-fought 15-7 win over Fiji Sea Salt Taveuni, while Namara Brothers scraped past Kasanias Village Boys 12-7. Loloma Heights completed their turnaround day by coming from 5-0 down to beat Wide Brothers 12-5 and secure the final semi-final slot.
Play was frequently disrupted early by heavy showers, with slippery ball-handling and quick tactical adjustments needed as teams battled both conditions and opposition. Despite the weather, the schedule held, and organisers said the competition intensified as the day progressed, producing strong defensive stands and late scores that decided several ties.
Semi-final match-ups are due to be confirmed by organisers tomorrow, but the advancing teams have already begun to set expectations. The women’s last four — Fresh’et Navy, Police Blues, Kasiabia Sinukakala and Ezra Women’s — feature a mix of proven tournament performers and teams that have built momentum through tight, physical wins. In the U18-21 bracket, Devo Young Babas, Axellarate Aflame Brothers, Namara Brothers and Loloma Heights will each eye a place in the cup final at the milestone 50th edition of the Marist Sevens.
With day two shaping up to be decisive, attention now turns to Saturday’s knockout schedule where semi-finals and finals will determine the tournaments’ early champions and begin to narrow the field in other divisions still to conclude. Organisers have pledged an updated draw and kick-off times when they confirm the semi-final pairings.
Leave a comment