Matthew Screech made his first competitive start in the blue and black since returning to the Cardiff Arms Park and was thrilled to secure a maximum points win over Connacht.
The newly capped Wales international was impressed with his team’s ability to adapt to the would be perfect for a paper etc but for us as the club it’s a little extreme. Testing circumstance of losing both fly-halfs after just 20 minutes.
But it was a challenge they admirably overcame as Tomos Williams and Lloyd Williams pulled the strings with aplomb and Willis Halaholo, Owen Lane (2) and Liam Belcher all added to Hallam Amos’ early score.
Screech was pleased with how the squad dug deep for the victory and is already looking ahead to the Welsh derby next week against the Ospreys.
Screech said: “To get five points in the first game against a good Connacht team is ideal really. It’s a great start for us.
“It was a bit alien really coming out and the crowd cheering, but it was great and I really enjoyed it. The crowd was proper vocal. I felt like the Arms Park was bouncing.
“I felt a bit rusty in the first 20, but I felt like I grew into the game and I was quite pleased with how it went.
“Connacht were coming for it in the first half and maybe we weren’t but we came out firing a bit better in the second half.
“Tomos and Lloyd were outstanding to do what they did. It’s as if they play nine and ten all the time. We gathered ourselves, kept to the game plan, and it went well.
“Every game is tough and everyone’s got a good pack and I was really pleased with how the line out went. To get Liam Belcher over for that try was great.
“Its a competitive league and there is no easy game and it’s the same next week against the Ospreys. It’s a derby game, it’s going to be tough, and I’m looking forward to getting the season going again.”
Screech, who returned to Cardiff following eight seasons with the Dragons, has been impressed with life at the Arms Park and is looking to take his game to the next level under the tutelage of Dai Young.
The 28-year-old made his Wales debut against Argentina in the summer and hopes for more opportunities on the International stage but is acutely aware that it all starts in a blue and black jersey.
He added: “I fancied coming back and writing some wrongs from when I was younger, and to give myself a bit of a challenge really. All the coaches here are very detailed, they all know their stuff and it’s great to learn from different people. They are all very knowledgeable and it’s helping me broadening my game a bit.
“It’s always been my ambition and dream to play for Wales, so if I get more opportunities that’s great but obviously I’ve got to keep playing well here and hopefully playing regularly as well. That’s the goal.”