Avaiki Rugby Club has successfully defended the Marist Annual Sevens Knockout competition.

The grand final was between Avaiki RC and hosts Marist RC. The finals lived up to the high expectations. With two Fijians, both named in the Fiji national Sevens training squad, and a Samoan who has had long experience in the Sevens code, the Avaiki RC were pushed to the wire.

Marist RC was first to score through its Fijian import, Varinava. Avaiki replied shortly before half time through wingmen Moana. It was a closely contested second half but a lucky break from Captain Steward Baiabe gave Avaiki the lead 12-5. Marist replied quickly through its Samoan import, who also managed to convert from the far corner. With the score locked at 12-12 the game went into overtime, where the golden goal rule now applies - first to score wins.

Marist struck early in overtime but was unfortunate not to score when their Fijian wingmen Joni stepped on the line right inside the try area.

Avaiki regrouped and pressured Marist in their twenty two, a chip kick from Marist's Fijian import Varinava was charged down by Captain Stewart Baiabe who went on to score the winning try.

Avaiki Rugby Club, having successfully defended the Sevens title, thanked its Major Sponsors, South Pacific Oil, for its ongoing support.