Vintcent looking good for Exeter

THERE’S long been a rich tradition of Exeter Chiefs unearthing hidden gems to don the famous No.8 jersey at Sandy Park. 

- MARK STEVENS

First you had Richard Baxter, then Thomas Waldrom, before a certain Sam Simmonds appeared and caused quite a stir. Now, enter the scene Ross Vintcent, the latest incumbent plucked from the fields of the nearby University.

Already an Italian A international, the South African-born forward is quietly making significant waves in the West Country, his hat-trick here took his seasonal tally to five in just three games.

He was again the standout figure in a youthful Chiefs side, which added further tries through Arthur Relton, Niall Armstrong, Joe Snow and Ollie Burrows to all but seal their place in the last four of this season’s Premiership Rugby Cup.

London Scottish had their moments, bagging consolation scores from Stephen Kerins and Will Brown, but in the end they struggled to cope with the power and pace of the current Cup holders.