Ben Russell says fierce competition for places has driven both Bournemouth sides to successful campaigns.
The first team sealed the South West Premier crown and promotion to National Two South with the required 41-10 bonus-point at Exmouth on March 9.
Last Saturday, the Seconds took a huge step towards the Zoo Sports Shield Division Two title with a 46-20 win over London Irish Amateurs Wanderers.
Russell says the interchanging of personnel between the two teams has helped push up standards.
He said: “Every training session we have on a Tuesday or Thursday night and then when we have a match on a Saturday - whether that is for the first team or the second team - you have just got to put 100 per cent effort in to make sure you get that shirt.
“It is unreal for the first team to be champions and seal promotion because it is my first season here at the club, I was stoked to be starting at seven and to be in the promotion-winning team, it is unreal.
“I was playing Elite Sevens last year with the Nomads so that really helped me make the step up because a lot of those boys play or have played in National Two or National Three level so that really helped me make the step up.
“I started in the second team and I have learned so much being here this season.”
The day the Lions wrapped up the South West Premier title was significant for Russell - because it was also his birthday.
Thanks to some coaching from versatile playmaker Mike Pope, Russell said it helped him celebrate the day in style.
Russell added: “Mike Pope has taken myself and a few other of the backrow lads out of training and helped us with our play at the breakdown and helped us with our breakdown decision making and getting over the ball which has really really helped.
“That one-on-one coaching really helps improve your game.
“It was also my birthday on the day, so what a present to seal the title and promotion - so I could not have asked for a better birthday present really, so it was pretty good.”