La Sallians crowned Firelight 7s Premiers

The La Sallians team from 8 Mile made a mighty comeback in the second half to stun Lae’s Papuan Compound Ravens with a 24-17 win to claim the second edition of the Firelight 7s tournament yesterday afternoon (14th December 2025) at Bava Park, Port Moresby.

The PC Ravens won three round-robin games and lost one, heading to the finals as favorites to snatch the coveted title, but the determined La Sallians came from nowhere and upset the high-flying Ravens. 

In a thrilling Cup decider that left everyone on the edge of their seats, the visiting Ravens lived up to the expectations and stamped their authority in the first half, scoring two tries and staying in front of the contest with a 12-0 lead at the break.

However, the resurgent La Sallians regrouped in the second half and put the Ravens under the pump, registering four unanswered tries and stealing the win from the tournament’s heavyweights.

The PC Ravens had experienced 7s players like Max Vali, Francis Lueni, and Emmanuel Zoriry leading the charge, whilst La Sallians were dominated with rugby league players, such as Manase Watt, Francis Mandom, Philip Singoina, and Andrew Solo.

The seasoned 7s players (PC Ravens) were in the prime position to secure the elusive silverware. However, the makeshift rugby union players (La Sallians) adjusted their style of play and delivered an entertaining and free-flowing footy to clip the Ravens. 

La Sallians’ team manager Jibera Kaupa was overwhelmed with the win, crediting the players for believing in themselves and swinging the momentum in the second spell, and producing a herculean effort to secure the title.

“Their (La Sallians) performance was unbelievable. Their belief and mental toughness came through in the end,” he said.  

“The PC Ravens are the favorites to win the tournament, but I’m glad my boys regrouped in the second half to upset the Ravens. I’m really proud of them.”

PC Ravens’ coach Armstrong Dickson said that though the Ravens did not win the title, they had a solid campaign and ended the tournament with their heads held high, anticipating next year’s event.

In addition, the La Sallians reached the Plate Semifinals in the inaugural Firelight 7s last year but lost to the Mantas. This time, they rebounded and marched to the Cup decider, making their presence known and walking away as the new Firelight 7s champions.