Try caps 'perfect' day for Moon
By Mark Stevens
17/12/19
Ben Moon insisted it was the ‘perfect day’ after he capped his 250th appearance for the Exeter Chiefs with a try in their Heineken Champions Cup victory at home to Sale Sharks on Sunday.
The long-serving prop burrowed over from close range during the second half of Exeter’s 35-10 win against the Sharks in Pool Two of this season’s competition.
Exeter’s triumph - their fourth in as many games in Europe - ensured they extended their lead at the top of the Pool - and now need just a solitary point from one of their final two games to ensure they advance into the knock-out stages for only the second time in the club’s history.
For Moon, it’s the latest accolade in what has been a fantastic career to date for the Tiverton-born prop, who first made his senior debut for the Devon club way back in 2008 in a National League One fixture against Sedgley Park.
As modest as ever, the England international played down his achievements post-game, insisting he was looking to the future and helping the Chiefs to achieve further success.
“I feel very privileged to have played this many times for the club,” he said. “There have been lots of players before me - with lots of appearances as well, so I know I am in good company and lucky to be listed alongside them.
“Ever since I joined the club, it’s been a great journey and full of memories. Hopefully, there are a few more to come, but we’ve given ourselves a great chance in terms of Europe this season with the way we’ve started, and now we’ve just got to try and finish things off in the New Year.”
Coming off the bench at the weekend, Moon found himself in the right area to collect his 10th career try, only his second in Europe, and help pave the way for the Chiefs to complete a winning double against their Premiership rivals.
“When we get into that red zone, it’s game on for whoever is there,” explained Moon. “Luckily, I just happened to be in the right place, at the right time, to get over the line. It’s capped what’s been a perfect day for me!”
Certainly Exeter’s exploits in Europe this season has given everyone at the club huge confidence moving forward and Moon says it’s vital the Chiefs build on what has been a solid foundation for the season as a whole.
“To say we have 19 out of a possible 20 points, it does give you huge confidence,” added Moon. “When you look around at all the different competitions, there are no easy games any more. We know we have to be at our best every single week if we want to get what we want out of these games.
“Sale, we know, from playing them in the Premiership are always tough opponents and they showed that out there today. It wasn’t really until later in the game that we started to get on top of them a bit, but we did and we’ve been able to come through with the win in the end.”
Next up for the Chiefs is a trip to Welford Road to face Leicester Tigers this Saturday, quickly followed by the Christmas encounter against Saracens at a packed out Sandy Park on December 29.