'We're getting stronger' says Steeno

By Mark Stevens

Gareth Steenson believes Exeter Chiefs are getting "stronger" by the game after they recorded their latest Aviva Premiership victory away to Sale Sharks on Friday night.

Exeter's predatory marksman was again on song as he laser-guided right boot fired Rob Baxter's side to a 18-16 success at the AJ Bell Stadium.

In a first half which saw the Sharks lose three men to the sin-bin at varying times, Dungannon-born Steenson was on hand to rub further salt into the Sharks wounds as he slotted five successful penalties.

Although the Sharks countered with three penalties of their own from Danny Cipriani and a late converted try from Mark Cueto, Steenson was able to land a sixth penalty late in the game to ensure a fifth league win of the season for the Devon club.

It was an outcome that clearly delighted Steenson, who said afterwards: "It was a tough fixture and to come away and get a win in the Premiership is always great. Sale really came at us in the second half, but full credit to our fellas they stood in front of them and we defended well.

"There was a wee bit of scare at the end when they got the try, but thankfully we got the job done and we got the four points at the end, which is the most important thing for us."

With another victory chalked up, Steenson was quick to highlight the confidence the Chiefs are currently playing with.

"Obviously things are going well for us," he added. "Since the opening day up at Northampton, we seem to have got stronger and stronger and our performances have been very good.

"As I said, things are going well for us, not just in the Premiership, but in the Heineken Cup as well, and now we'll have a really go at the LV= Cup and hopefully continue that form going forward."

Next up for the Chiefs is the impending visit of defending champions Harlequins in the LV= Cup this Saturday (3pm).