There's more to come says Steeno

Gareth Steenson insists there is still "more to come" from him despite landing another milestone in his illustrious Exeter Chiefs career.

Steenson's eight-point haul in last weekend's European Challenge Cup victory over Connacht not only helped his side move to the top of Pool Two, but it also took him past 1,500 career points for the Devon club.

Now into his seventh season at Sandy Park, the Dungannon-born star has played an integral part in the recent rise of the Chiefs.

His metronomic right boot has not only helped to down teams across England and Europe, but it's helped pin-point Rob Baxter's side as one of the rising forces within the game.

Steenson, as always, is modest about his on-field efforts, instead focusing more at the wider picture rather than making any real fuss about his latest achievement.

"Obviously it's nice to get that figure, but for me it's more about going out and performing to the best of my ability ever week," he said. "If I knock a few points over along the way, then great. Yes, it's another nice milestone, but there's still more to come yet."

That in itself will be music to the ears of the Exeter supporters, who have certainly taken the 30-year-old to their hearts ever since he made his club debut in 2008 in an away game at Esher.

For Steenson, the job of marshalling the Chiefs through the rigours of league and cup duty on a weekly basis is uppermost in his thoughts, but there is no doubt he will have a cast an eye on the all-time scoring record of another Exeter No.10.

Tony Yapp's record of 1,800 points for the Chiefs in all competitions may well be a long-term goal for Steenson, but for the here and now the Ulsterman is desperate to keep Exeter firing on all cylinders.

"At this moment in time things are going quite well for us," said Steenson. "Obviously to get five points at the weekend [against Connacht] was huge for us in the context of our European group and it's put us top of the group, but now we want to kick on further."

And for the Chiefs that next task is this weekend's defence of their LV= Cup crown against visiting Gloucester.

Having collected their first piece of major silverware last March when they saw off Northampton Saints at Sandy Park, Steenson admits there is a real desire within the Exeter ranks to hold onto the trophy.

"It was a great experience, especially to get our first trophy in the top tier," said Steenson. "But obviously we want to hold onto the trophy. We know it's going to be a test for us again, but this weekend will be an opportunity for a few of the fellas to show what the club is all about."

With head coach Baxter likely to again utilise his first team against the Cherry & Whites, Steenson says the quality on show across the board is there for all to see.

"It's a great side to be playing in," he added. "I've spoke before about the young guys and what they bring to the team. They inject a lot of energy into things and quite rightly they are getting lots of plaudits about them going into the national side.

"At the same time, though, the older fellas have also brought things to the side. That experience, especially with guys like Thomas Waldrom, has really added something and across the board we're all pushing each other hard in training.

"As a group we're seeing the rewards of all the hard work we're putting in and we're learning all the time, whether we win or lose. It's all very encouraging and hopefully we can continue to push forwards as the season continues."