Lock Matthew Screech is hoping for a double celebration this season as he prepares to hit a memorable milestone in Saturday’s showdown with Toyota Cheetahs, writes Adam Evans.
Screech, who joined Dragons in 2013, is set to make his 100th Guinness PRO14 appearance in this weekend’s clash at Rodney Parade (kick-off 5.15pm).
The 27-year-old has been a matchday regular during his time at Dragons, but was pleasantly surprised to discover there was a possibility he could hit the landmark this weekend.
“I didn't really know until last week when I was told it was going to be 100th league appearance,” admitted Screech.
“It is nice to know I’ve played so many games in the PRO14 - and long may it continue!”
The forward is also fast closing in on hitting 150 appearances for Dragons in all competitions – he is currently sat on 141.
“I've been watching my overall appearances. I know I’m close to 150 so I have kind of been looking at that for a while,” he smiled.
“Hopefully I'll get that achievement sometime in the future too and that would be great.
“It's nice to know you've been involved and the Dragons do nice things when you get these achievements.
“You get given caps and things like a jersey. That's why I said I’d be looking forward to the 150, because you know that is a good honour.
"Not many people get to play that many professional games and it would be something that I will be proud of.”
Going into Saturday’s fixture, Screech made his thoughts about last weekend’s 34-19 defeat against Glasgow Warriors clear.
However, he is relishing a return to Rodney Parade for the first time since the victory over Ospreys on January 4.
“It was quite unpredictable up in Glasgow, we knew the weather was going to be bad but we didn't know how bad it was going to be,” he admitted.
“It was quite bad conditions and, obviously, Glasgow is quite a tough place ago. But we were gutted that we didn't get nothing out of the game because I thought the boys dug deep really.
“We worked hard for each other and it was a shame that we couldn't quite get something out of it.
“We were in that game for long spells and the endeavour we put in, I think, having not played for five weeks to come out and just blow the cobwebs off was good.
“We haven’t played at home in a long time. It's been a while so I’m looking forward to getting back out there and playing in front of the Rodney Parade crowd.”
Saturday’s opponents, the Toyota Cheetahs, are renowned for their fast and attacking style of rugby.
And Screech is fully aware of the threats that they pose across the field.
“They’ve got good backs and forwards and they'll be playing similar to Glasgow so we’ll need to be on the money,” said Screech.
Watch the Dragons when they welcome their South African side Toyota Cheetahs to Rodney Parade on Saturday (kick-off 5:15pm). Click HERE to buy your tickets and join us for more top Guinness PRO14 action.
Not many people get to play that many professional games and it would be something that I will be proud of...
