WE couldn't have asked for a better start to the season and now we have got the chance to lay the foundations for a promotion push.

I was never lucky enough to play in a Glamorgan side that won their first game of the season – the last time had been the 1998 win against Gloucestershire, the year before I made my first-class debut – but the boys were superb at the Oval.

To come away with a 10-wicket win was a reward for all of the hard graft over the winter months; travelling to training when it's dark, time in the gym, practicing in the nets under the tent at the Swalec Stadium, technical work – it all paid off against Surrey.

They started the season as favourites for promotion so to beat them so convincingly gives the boys a real boost ahead of some key games.

We start against Gloucestershire tomorrow, then head to Leicester the following week before hosting Worcestershire.

They are all fixtures that on paper we should stand a good chance of winning – but I am sure those sides will all be feeling the same because Division Two is so tight.

If we can win seven games then we will be right in the mix for promotion, we've already managed one and will have a great platform for the busy months of the season if we can manage another couple.

Gloucestershire finished above us last season and are always tough opponents but the way that the boys played at the Oval gives us real reason for optimism.

It was a real team effort but despite that there will be a change to the XI tomorrow with former South Africa batsman Jacques Rudolph coming in.

He missed the game at the Oval because he was taking part in an Ironman event back home but he arrived in Wales this week and immediately provided a boost.

Not only does he have a wealth of experience in Test cricket but he knows all about the county game thanks to his time with Yorkshire and Surrey.

Every side needs competition for places and it's only early days but the batsmen are all pushing for inclusion; Jacques is coming in, openers Will Bragg and Gareth Rees impressed at the Oval, Murray Goodwin was top scorer in 2013, Chris Cooke and Stewart Walters looked good in pre-season and Ben Wright scored 150 for the seconds this week.

The same goes for the bowlers because Graham Wagg and Michael Hogan were superb at the Oval but the rest of the squad will have to play their part throughout a long season.

Hopefully those that get the nod against Gloucestershire can make it two from two.