Heavyweights Police Blue and Army Green laid down an early marker at the 39th Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s on Saturday, each producing clinical 31-0 shutouts in opening-round pool play at a hot Prince Charles Park in Nadi. The twin whitewashes set the tone for a day of one-sided scores as several title contenders and provincial sides kept their sheets clean in convincing victories.
Police Blue overwhelmed Dreke Young Boys 31-0, while Army Green matched that scoreline against Nadrau Young Boys, confirming both as teams to watch as the tournament progresses. Buduka Reef Cowboys stole the headlines for margin of victory, dismantling Nauru Blues 45-0 in one of the biggest results of the round. Yaro Chiefs impressed with a 21-0 win over Marist, and Ravuka Sharks routed Highland Bro Nasivikoso 20-0.
Other comfortable shutouts included Fresh’et Navy and Jack’s Devo Babas, who each recorded 19-0 wins — Fresh’et Navy over Kesenavunivalu and Jack’s Devo Babas over Newtown Brothers. Village Boys also kept their slate clean with a 19-0 victory against RKS Old Boys, while Namara Brothers beat Baravi Legion 19-5. Loloma Heights opened strongly with a 28-10 win over Draulu, and Ratu Filise edged Sabeto 15-7 in a tighter affair.
Wardens Gold, one of the favourites, faced a stiffer test and were made to work before surviving 19-7 against Duibana, suggesting they may have more to sharpen ahead of knockout rounds. A rare goalless draw saw Nakamica Brothers and Solevu Kings finish 0-0, while close contests included Pegasus Brothers 10-5 McDonald Westfield and Nawaka Black edging Nauru Gold 7-5. Default results were recorded for Belolevu Rugby, awarded a win over FSC Grassroots, and Dominion Brothers, granted a default against Bukuya Cowboys.
The Under-21 division produced standout performances as well, with Pacific Mana thumping Seni Ivi 31-0 and Aloha Taveuni cruising to a 26-0 win over Nasivikoso, marking both as early threats in the youth competition. Other U21 outcomes saw Loloma Heights beat Noinabua 19-0, Nalawa Rebels defeat Nawaka Black 12-0, and Nakula Rugby edge Wave City Babas 12-7. Dominion Brothers also collected a default win over Waterlily in the youth ranks.
Tournament organisers will now turn focus to how these opening-day form lines hold up as teams reposition for quarterfinal contention. The combination of heavy favourites producing dominant results and a handful of tight encounters suggests the Nawaka 7s will maintain the unpredictable momentum typical of Fiji’s sevens circuit as pool play moves on.
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