Wing wonder Ashton Hewitt grabbed a dream double on his 100th appearance for Dragons – and then dedicated his brace to a Cardiff schoolboy who inspired him.
Hewitt sealed a 31-20 win for Dean Ryan’s men at the Brewery Field when he sped in from 40 metres in 76 minutes.
Amid the wild celebrations from the away side, Hewitt made the letter ‘A’ to cameras in Bridgend and later explained he was sending a message to schoolboy Ali Sharif.
“I went to Fitzalan High School to see a boy called Ali and he quickly turned into a rugby fan when I turned up in his classroom!” said the 26-year-old.
“I asked what I could do for him and he said a try celebration, so I asked what he wanted it to be and he did it and said ‘A for Ashton and Ali!’.
“I haven’t scored in a while so thought that I’d do it and send the picture off to him.
“After my first try I forgot to do it and ran back thinking that he wasn’t going to be happy but luckily Rhods put me in for a second.
“He is a black young boy and sent me a letter that prompted me to go to the school,” added Hewitt.
“He was quite emotional in his letter and said that some of his experiences made him scared, so I was keen to go and see him.
“That letter was probably one of the biggest things that has hit me throughout this journey in terms of racism and equality. I was really glad that I did because he is a great kid and I can’t wait to see him again.
“It was an amazing experience. Hopefully soon the [coronavirus] restrictions will get lifted again and I can go to see him again and show him the celebration that he inspired.”
That letter was probably one of the biggest things that has hit me throughout this journey in terms of racism and equality... I was really glad that I did because he is a great kid and I can’t wait to see him again...
