TWELVE months ago Ashton Hewitt enjoyed a breakthrough game in a breakthrough season for Newport Gwent Dragons.

The winger had previously caught the eye in flashes but on December 27, 2015 he really announced himself on the scene by outplaying Wales and Lions wing Alex Cuthbert at Rodney Parade.

On that occasion Cardiff Blues burgled the points courtesy of Rhys Patchell’s late penalty but Hewitt was a menace with ball in hand, finishing superbly for the opening try, and was typically feisty in defence.

His performance in a televised derby meant he was no longer going under the radar and he continued to shine in 2015/16; were it not for a shoulder injury he may well have been part of the Wales touring party in New Zealand.

Monday presents another chance to shine on the plastic pitch in the capital in front of packed stands and the 22-year-old from Newport can’t wait.

“Last year was my first set of derbies and the Blues at home was an amazing atmosphere and I got a try in the corner early in the game,” he said.

“It was a really good performance by us and it was a shame to lose but up until then I hadn’t felt that buzz in professional rugby. That was really good.

“These derby games are massive and are always watched with the clash of talent within Wales. They are high pressure games but the main thing for me personally is just to enjoy it and take it all in.”

He continued: “Everyone is up for it and everyone wants to play in these games. The Arms Park is similar to Rodney Parade with everyone close so the atmosphere will be amazing and hopefully we’ll have a good game.

“I am sure we will hear a bit of stick from the fans but it’s a fast track and will hopefully be a high-paced game. Things went well for me personally at the end in Worcester (on their artificial surface) and we train on it week in, week out, so fingers crossed we can reap the benefits.

“We have to earn the right to go wide but the more ball I get, the happier I will be.”

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Hewitt had the better of Cuthbert last season just weeks after outplaying giant Pau winger Marika Vunibaka and seasoned Fiji international Sireli Bobo.

He is set to line up against the Wales winger again on Monday with Pat Howard and Tom James set for another mouth-watering duel on the other flank, but the Dragons man stays modest when it comes to talk about taking big-name scalps.

He said: “I’ll stay grounded! It was a good day last year and I thrived on it – the bigger the name, the less player and I don’t think about the team sheet. You have to crack on with what’s in front of you.”

If he does that then it will be a timely reminder that Ospreys teenage sensation Keelan Giles is not the only promising winger available to Wales coach Rob Howley.

With the Six Nations looming and summer Tests against Tonga and Samoa while the Lions are in action, Hewitt can force his way into the fold with a strong second half of the season.

“I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about it but I don’t expect anything, because that may just lead to disappointment,” he said modestly.

“As long as I keep working hard and keep working on my game, doing all I can do in regional games, that’s all I can do and the rest is out of my control.

“I’ve just got to keep doing what I am doing and if the time comes then I’ll be more than happy.”

Giles was an unused replacement in the autumn Test against Japan and the teen’s call-up gives reason to believe club exploits can earn Test recognition.

“To be fair to Keelan he is flying for the Ospreys and you can’t ignore someone when they are scoring that number of tries in that number of games,” said Hewitt.

“Fair play to him and he has been recognised, which is how it should go. Maybe there will be a battle on New Year’s Day, we’ll see!”

But first it’s Cuthbert and Cardiff Blues.