Arscott looking to build

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs maybe set for a two-week break from the Aviva Premiership, but full-back Luke Arscott insists he and his team-mates have no intention of letting their winning streak fall by the wayside.

Saturday's 30-23 home win over London Wasps not only ensured the Chiefs remained within the top six in the current Premiership standings, but it extended their winning streak to five games in all competitions.

With back-to-back encounters against the Scarlets in the Heineken Cup next up for the Devon club, the 28-year-old wants more of the same against the Welsh region in Europe's top cup competition.

"After winning at London Irish, it was Important to back that up against Wasps," explained Arscott (pictured). "Our aim was to get the win; keep the run going and look to take a positive result into the Heineken Cup.

"We knew Wasps would be tough, they have been rebuilding for the last couple of years and this year they look as though they have a solid squad. They proved - like we thought - that they would be tough to break down, but thankfully we did that in the end."

Tries from Chris Whitehead, Haydn Thomas and Phil Dollman proved key in helping Rob Baxter's side not only claim their sixth Premiership scalp of the season, but their fifth success on home soil in the top flight this term.

"Obviously it was good to get three tries, but at the same time we're a little disappointed not to get the fourth," added Arscott. "We will, however, take the win and look to move forward."

Next on the agenda for Arscott and the Chiefs is Saturday's European trip to the Parc Y Scarlets, a venue where the visitors will be hoping to net their first-ever victory in the Heineken Cup.

"It's a massive game for us," explained Arscott, who is in his second spell with the Chiefs following stints at both Plymouth Albion and Bristol. "Again they [Scarlets] are a good side, they've got a lot of international players in their side, but we'll go there and look to target our first win in the Heineken."

And as one of the so-called 'local lads' in the Exeter ranks, Arscott knows the importance of the Chiefs dining at the top table in Europe.

"It's brilliant for the whole club and the city itself," he continued. "It's another game, though, so we'll look to prepare well this week and see what comes of it all."

Certainly Arscott will be someone the Scarlets will have to monitor closely over the next two games, particularly as the Plymouth-born back has started to show some scintillating form in recent weeks.

With competition for starting spots in the Exeter line-up intensifying by the week, Arscott knows he and his colleagues can ill afford to let their standards drop.

"Once you have the jersey it's yours to lose," he said. "Everybody realises that, so that's why you try and put in the best performance you can every time you put on the shirt.

"Personally, I'm pleased with how I'm playing. Last year was frustrating for me, especially when I was injured, and I had to fight hard to work my way back into the side. I'm enjoying it now and just want to keep things going as they are."

Among those challenging Arscott for the No.15 jersey is Academy youngster Jack Nowell (pictured), who has impressed many - including Arscott - in the past month with his displays for the Chiefs in both the LV= Cup and the Premiership.

"Nowellsy a great lad; he's got a great ethic and is just a real talent," said Arscott. "Saturday was only his second game in the Premiership, but already he looks at home and I'm sure there are big things to come from him."