LOCK Charlie Ewels says Bath’s preparation for tonight’s Aviva Premiership fixture against Exeter Chiefs (7.45pm) has been ‘streamlined’ following the postponement of Sunday’s Anglo-Welsh Cup Final.

Bath were due to face the Chiefs at Gloucester’s Kingsholm Stadium, but another dose of heavy snow forced an unwanted postponement – meaning they will have to wait a little longer for their chance to earn their first piece of silverware in 10 years.

While the postponement proved frustrating for everyone involved, Ewels eyed the positives and said the last week has provided Bath with a chance to get back to full match fitness.

He said: “It’s always frustrating when games get called off, especially as we had a good week of preparation.

“But we play Exeter again, so this week has been streamlined in terms of our preparation – we know what to expect as do they.

“They’re current champions and are top of the league.

“We know they play a lot of their game from set-pieces and they hold the ball for a long time, it’s a question of if we can go out there and stop them.”

Having won six of their nine games so far this year, Bath enter tomorrow’s clash in a strong run of form.

Ewels hopes that can continue through this weekend, adding team spirit at the Re is strong.

“Team spirit right now is good,” he said.

“It’s now about mentally refocussing for the game that faces us, the Premiership is a long season.

“We can’t afford to view these last five games as the end, it’s about getting excited for a play-off push and taking each game as it comes.

“Ultimately, we’ve developed as a team and we want to test ourselves against the best in the league.

“At this time of year, players should be at their fittest.

“The hardest slog is at the start – with big blocks of Premiership fixtures and European matches, it’s tough.

“Now we’re out of Europe and games are scattered. It means you can physically peak for each game.

“We’re all in great condition and the backroom staff continue to work hard as they have done all season.

“The weather generally improves too, which involves a bit more running but the game is faster when we play with a dry ball – the game’s more open.”

Another strong crowd is expected for tonight’s game, something which Ewels relishes.

The 22-year-old said: “The fans have been superb this year, we can’t be grateful enough. We love playing at home and there’s nothing better than a full Rec.”