ALIPATE Raitini will always remember yesterday when he scored his first try for the Digicel Fiji 7s team on the HSBC IRB Sevens World Series.
Raitini's scotching run down the sideline in Fiji's opening game against Scotland during the Gold Coast 7s at Skilled Park Stadium helped our gladiators to a 31-14 victory here.
Other tries were scored by Osea Kolinisau, Apisai Domolailai, Joji Raqamate, and Samuela Saqiwa. Raqamate kicked over two conversions while Ilai Tinai was successful with one.
Fiji led 19-7 at the breather.
The 20-year-old Raitini from Wainimakutu Village in Namosi, had the task of marking Soctland's 7s veteran speedster Andrew Turnbull, who has played at 42 events on the series. And the rookie was pleased with his first outing.
"I'm really happy with my performance in my first game on the series," the former Lelean Memorial School student said.
"I thank God that I was confident all the time when running in my first game."
With the forwards winning the ball, Raitini received a pass from Raqamate outside the opposition 22-metre zone, before running around Turnbull to score in the right corner, pointing to the heavens in celebration.
"When I received the ball, I was confident that I would score the try. The forwards had done their bit in securing the ball and it was our job in the backline to score, and that's what I did.
"I lifted my hands to show my happiness in scoring and thank God for helping me.
"My thoughts went straight home to my family. I did not want to disappoint them and I hope that I have made people proud.
"I want to dedicate my try to everyone at Wainimakutu, especially my family."
After getting over the nerves of playing in his first international tournament, Raitini is confident of scoring more tries.
Meanwhile, Fiji missed six tackles to Scotland's five, conceded three penalties to one and lost one lineout to none. The side made 21 tackles and won eight balls from rucks and turnovers.