IRELAND scrum-half Peter Stringer called on Bath to build on today's 16-6 LV= Cup win over Exeter after his two-try debut at the Recreation Ground.

The 35-year-old, brought in on loan from Munster earlier this week for two months at least after Michael Claassens suffered a broken thumb, has 92 caps and two Heineken Cup winners' medals to his name, but showed his enthusiasm was undimmed after coming on just before half-time with his new side fortunate to be level at 6-6.

"I still have that ambition and drive to play at the highest level," said Stringer, who crossed twice in the space of five second-half minutes to turn the game in the hosts' favour.

"That's one of the reasons I was looking to come on loan somewhere and thankfully Bath came up with that opportunity and that's all I want to do - play and compete.

"I'm here for a couple of months. That's the loan agreement. If Munster need me, if there's an injury they can call me back."

On his contribution to the Bath victory, he said: "We knew we had to keep the ball and starve them of possession. That's all it needed - a bit of coolness and calm heads, be patient and when we got into these zones to come away with points.

"We have a big challenge again next week at Gloucester and hopefully we can build on today."

It was Exeter's first defeat in this season's competition, and they still have not beaten their west-country rivals in a competitive match since 1978.

Ricky Pellow, skills coach for the Chiefs, was disappointed with the result but could not fault his players' efforts.

He said: "There's a bit of disappointment in the changing room. Hats off to the guys - they fought for everything, though.

"The scoreline didn't go our way but there were pleasing aspects in that we played with intensity and attacked the game. We feel we are moving forward each week."

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