We have plenty to be proud of says Steeno

In the end it wasn’t quite to be for Exeter Chiefs, but Gareth Steenson insists the club have plenty to proud of following a quite outstanding season.

Undone 28-20 in Saturday’s Aviva Premiership final by Saracens, the dreams of a first-ever top flight title will have to wait for Rob Baxter’s side a little longer.

Trailing 23-6 at the interval, the Devonians produced a rousing second half performance to haul themselves back into contention with just five minutes remaining.

Saracens, however, showed just why they have been the stand-out force, both domestically and in Europe this season, ending Exeter’s hopes with a late try from man of the match Alex Goode.

A disappointed Steenson admitted the loss was tough to take, but says he and his team-mates will be back for more come the start of next season. “Right now we’re very disappointed, any loss in a final is always tough to take,” said the Exeter fly-half.

“Probably in a few days time we’ll sit down and reflect on what has happened and what a great season it has been for the club.

“I suppose when you look back on it all and where we have come from, it’s been a great journey for us and one that we can all be very proud of.

“A lot of guys have put a huge amount of effort in through the course of the year, so it’s disappointing we couldn’t finish it right at the end there.

"That said, it’s all about the club moving forward and this is another step on the ladder. All we want to do is keep progressing and I’ve no doubt we will do that and hopefully we’ll be back here again next year.”

Experiences such as that of Saturday will prove invaluable for the club and Steenson insists lessons will be learnt in the wake of the whole big-match occasion. - See more at: http://exeterchiefs.co.uk/news/steeno-proud-of-team-effort/#sthash.Wyd0JSF0.dpuf

Pictures: Exeter Rugby Club/Pinnacle Photo Agency