Tabadamu Red managed to defend the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s title after beating New Net Yasawa 24‑12 in the final at the ANZ Stadium.
New Net started off strongly in the final scoring two tries to race to an early 12‑0 lead.
Tabadamu replied with tries also as Apenisa Cakaubalavu and Alipate Ratini touched down.
In the second half, the defending champions inflicted more pain to New Nett as Cakaubalavu scored his second try and former national rep, Sitiveni Waqa added another for the final scoreline.
Tabadamu Red captain Leo Naikasau thanked his players for playing right till the final whistle.
Naikasau also said he is aiming to play for the Vodafone Fiji 7s team again.
Meanwhile, New Net Team Manager Tom Bruce said he is proud of how his team played during the two day tournament.
Tabadamu Red received $10,000 for winning the tournament while New Net Yasawa collected $5000.
Earlier on, the New Net Yasawa team created another upset by beating Wardens Gold 12-10 in the second cup semi-final of the 2016 Fiji Bitter Marist 7s.
New Net Yasawa was the surprise finalist and was labelled as the giant killers.
New Net were impressive in defence which made it harder for the Wardens side to fully attack.
Yasawa’s Jovilisi Nene scored their first try as they led 7-5 in the first half.
Playmaker Nacanieli Batina set up the other try in the second half where prop Ratu Iveri scored to seal the win.
New Net Team Manager Tom Bruce said he is happy with what the team has achieved so far in the tournament.
Bruce said despite the difficulties they faced during their preparation, they still managed to perform well.
Meanwhile, Tabadamu Red Coach Pio Kaberi said they will not under estimate the Yasawa based side.
Kaberi said earlier that they have the experience to retain the title but it will depend on how the players perform during the tournament.
He said they are playing for the underprivileged and the victims of Cyclone Winston.
In the first semifinal Tabudamu Red defeated Army Green 15‑12.
New Net Yasawa will take on the defending champion of the Fiji Bitter Marist 7s in the final at 6.30pm and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station VITIFM.
Meanwhile, Striders thrashed the Wardens Pearl 34-0 to claim the 2016 Marist 7s Women's Final.
