Wing star Ashton Hewitt has set his sights on even more milestones at Dragons RFC and declared: “I am feeling back to myself.”
Hewitt grabbed his first try at Rodney Parade since seriously injuring his knee in 2021 as his score helped inspire a second half comeback win over Oyonnax in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
The clinically taken try also took the 29-year-old from Newport joint second on the Dragons’ all-time try list - going level with Hallam Amos on 36.
Only Aled Brew - one of Ashton’s heroes - on 43, is above the homegrown winger.
“I was made aware on the stat (in the week) but it doesn’t really enter your head going into the game but after it it’s a great milestone,” said Hewitt, who made his debut against the Scarlets in 2013.
“Everyone knows how much I love this club, so the more milestones the better.
“As a winger I want to score as many tries as possible and the more times I can get my hands on the ball the better, that’s what every winger is built for.
“It would be nice to get that top spot, but winning comes first.
“I am feeling back to myself now,” he added. “Last season I was playing catch-up all season and was never 100 per cent.
“I got the minutes under my belt and if you disregard recent results, I got back to being me with ball in hand, having a go. Last season is in the past and I am feeling good.”
Hewitt believes the victory over Oyonnax can be a turning point after a difficult trip to South Africa.
And he wants his team-mates to take that confidence to Pau and Stade de Hameau this weekend – a place where he was among the try scorers in a European victory earlier this year.
“I can’t tell you how hard South Africa hit us. The performances out there meant there were some tough conversations as a group,” said Hewitt.
“It was ideal for us to get back to Rodney Parade in front of our fans and put in a performance like that in tough conditions.
“It’s crucial that we back up the win and we need to take belief from that and understand we have outstanding talent in our team, not just in the 23.
“We have a good track record in Pau. That’s something to take confidence in.”
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