ASHTON Hewitt declared he is finally feeling back to his old self after the Dragons winger scored his first Rodney Parade try since rupturing knee ligaments in 2021.
The 29-year-old from Newport crossed for the first of the Dragons’ four tries in their 24-7 win against Oyonnax in their European Challenge Cup opener on Saturday.
It was Hewitt’s first try on home soil since the career-threatening injury suffered while scoring in the very same corner of the ground against Northampton in April, 2021.
The winger spent 18 months on the sidelines before making his competitive return last season when making 14 appearances for the Dragons.
Known for his acceleration and lateral movement, Hewitt believes he is only just getting back to the levels that frequently got close to earning a Wales cap.
“I am feeling back to myself,” he declared. “Last season I was playing catch-up all season and was never 100 per cent.
“I could feel that but as a player you are never going to turn down an opportunity to play.
“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 moved joint second on the Dragons’ all-time try list with his effort against Oyonnax, going level with Hallam Amos on 36.
Only Aled Brew, on 43, is above the winger while Jared Rosser (27) and Rio Dyer (18) are chasing hard.
“I was made aware it 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 the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2013.
“Everyone who know me 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.”
There were smiles at Rodney Parade on Saturday after two weekends of glum faces in South Africa.
The Dragons endured two heavy losses against the 10-try Sharks in Durban and six-try Lions in Johannesburg.
Some attacking flashes – and a brilliant Hewitt score – didn’t paper over the cracks and that made the win against Oyonnax all the more important.
“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.”
Next up is a trip to Pau, who are flying high in the Top 14 but lost on home soil to the Dragons last season and in 2015.
“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,” said Hewitt, a try scorer at the Stade de Hameau last season.
“We have a good track record in Pau. That’s something to take confidence in.”
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