IT is always nice to be able to write a column off the back of a win but to do it off the back of two is even more pleasant.

It’s fair to say that the boys have put in performances that can make everyone involved, plus all supporters, proud of the badge again.

Both Glasgow and Edinburgh were tough games, they were weakened by international call-ups but we still had to take advantage.

I wasn’t able to go down to Principality Stadium to ‘soak up the atmosphere’ or enjoy the game from pitchside due to restrictions being in place so I was like most others, on the edge of my seat in the dying minutes hoping the boys would hang on for victory.

The quality of the defence in the last 10 minutes was fantastic with boys putting their bodies on the line from loosehead prop through to full-back. Sore bodies on a Monday are to be expected and I think everyone enjoyed the ice baths for once!

The move to the stadium delivered and some of the quality in attack showed what some of the boys are capable of with confidence and individual X-factor moments.

Seeing us score tries has made such a difference to the spectacle and ultimately the scoreline.

There have been many who have been quick to heavily criticise our defence over the past few years, but it has always been an incredibly tough task to win games when tries have been difficult to come by. They don’t only help on the scoreboard but have a mental effect on the opposition.

21.03.21 - Dragons v Glasgow Warriors - Guinness PRO14 - Ashton Hewitt and Lloyd Fairbrother of Dragons celebrate at full time.

21.03.21 - Dragons v Glasgow Warriors - Guinness PRO14 - Ashton Hewitt and Lloyd Fairbrother of Dragons celebrate at full time.

Efforts and guts have never been an issue at the Dragons and there have been the cuts and bruises on many boys – Nic Cudd especially – to show for it.

This year, especially in recent weeks, we have scored some great tries to put us in a position to win games and have a real drive to fight in the last few minutes, giving true drama and thrills with heroic defence.

Now we move on to Northampton in the Challenge Cup just before the start of the Rainbow Cup campaign, more opportunities to kick on and test ourselves.

In other news, the shock retirement of CJ Stander goes to show that players of all ages are finding things tough in this year of uncertainty.

The Ireland and Munster back rower is just 30 and played in the Six Nations but is going to hang up his boots at the end of the season, a decision that has even come as a surprise to his current teammates.

Stander is heading home to South Africa are taking stock of what matters to him most during lockdown; he won’t be the only one in the game to have such thoughts during incredibly challenging year for everyone.

I’ve written plenty of times about how it has been a challenge for a lot of boys and myself, with uncertainty of competitions, quarantines and games being cancelled giving a real stop-start feel to the season.

It’s been tough and at the moment I am frustrated that I can’t contribute to the team because of a calf injury, even if that was just in preparing the team for the last few games of the season.

The end of the season has only just been confirmed and it provides more Welsh derbies and the chance to play against the top teams in South Africa ready for the Lions build-up. There are exciting times coming up.