Moon predicts 'good things' ahead

By Mark Stevens

Ben Moon believes if Exeter Chiefs can maintain their current high standards then "good things" will evolve for the club between now and the end of the season.

With the Chiefs riding high in the Aviva Premiership following Sunday's 21-10 home win over reigning champions Northampton Saints, it's European Challenge Cup action that takes centre stage for Rob Baxter's side this weekend.

Indeed, next on the agenda for the ambitious Devon club is Saturday night's trip to Gloucester and a first-ever European semi-final encounter at Kingsholm (7:45pm).

It's the latest in a string of high-profile matches the Chiefs have inked in on their fixture list between now and the end of the campaign - and Moon says as players the upcoming games are what they crave heading to what is effectively the 'business end' of the season.

"As players these are the games we all want to be involved in," said Moon. "It's tough games at the crunch end of the season, but if we can keep playing the way we are, then hopefully good things may happen."

Although only 25, Moon is one of Exeter's longest-serving players, having amassed over 135 appearances since his first-team debut against Sedgley Park back in 2008.

He better than most recognises the significant strides that have been made over the last few years by the Sandy Park outfit - and having claimed major success in last season's LV= Cup, the talented loose-head prop wants to add more silverware to the club's trophy cabinet this season.

"One of the keys factors has been we've managed to keep a core group of players together for quite a while now," added Moon. "Also the young guys who have come into the side, they are all learning game by game. All that is a massive help to us and if we can keep building like we have, then great."

Certainly the Chiefs will head to Gloucester brimming with confidence having become the first side this season to complete a league double over Northampton Saints.

However, the Tiverton-born forward insists there can be no let-up from the Chiefs in the standards they have created for large parts of this season.

"Sunday was a really good win for us, but as Rob [Baxter] said straight after the game we have to stay level-headed and enjoy things while we can," he continued. "Going into the Northampton game a key focus for us was to try and get the upper hand in the forward exchanges. We knew that battle would be huge, especially against Northampton, but the boys stepped up really well and we got our rewards for it."

But as Moon is well aware, Gloucester on their own Kingsholm patch will be an equally tough assignment for the Chiefs as they look to book themselves a Challenge Cup Final place on Friday, May 1 at the Twickenham Stoop.

"We've never got to a European final before, so again it's something for us to strive for," said Moon. "That said, Kingsholm is a tough place to go at any time and with the Shed in full voice, it should be quite a game up there. For us, though, it's going to be another big match and we're all looking forward to it."