Filo Tiatia has hailed a potentially ‘really special’ milestone for lock ace Matthew Screech this week – as the Wales international prepares to join a very exclusive club at Dragons RFC.
Second row Screech – if selected – could this Friday night become only the second player ever to reach 200 appearances for the Men of Gwent.
The 32-year-old made his club debut against Ulster in September 2013 and could reach the magic figure against the same opposition as Dragons launch the new BKT United Rugby Championship season in Belfast.
Only club legend Lewis Evans has ever joined the 200 Club – making a total of 236 appearances.
“It’s an amazing achievement for him,” said Tiatia. “To get your debut cap is special. Then you slowly build, and you feel 50 caps is a good milestone. To get 100 is even better.
“For some they get to 125, then 150 and 175. But to get to 200, not many people achieve that. I haven't achieved something like that and it's special for him.
“It’s a special occasion for Screechy and his family and we're clear, if he's picked, that he will do a good job for us. It’s a special milestone for a player who has served this club so well.”
DRAGONS CENTURIONS: TOP 20 (current players in bold)
1. Lewis Evans – Back Row – 236
2. Matthew Screech – Lock – 199
3. Steve Jones – Hooker – 180
4. Jason Tovey – Fly Half – 178
5. Lloyd Fairbrother – Prop – 172
6. Jack Dixon – Centre – 172
7. Adam Black – Prop – 163
8. Ashley Smith – Centre – 161
9. Phil Price – Prop – 159
10. Elliot Dee – Hooker – 158
11. Wayne Evans – Scrum Half – 157
12. Hugh Gustafson – Hooker – 151
13. Brok Harris – Prop – 143
14. Luke Charteris – Lock – 142
15. Jamie Ringer – Back Row – 140
16. Joe Davies – Lock - 137
17. Adam Warren – Centre – 132
18. Ashton Hewitt – Wing - 131
19. Nic Cudd – Back Row – 130
20. Rhodri Williams – Scrum Half - 129
To get to 200, not many people achieve that... I haven't achieved something like that and it's special for him...
