Danny Kirkpatrick identified versatility as one of the elements behind the success of both the Bournemouth first and second teams this season.
The full-back/centre is one of a number of players who has seamlessly switched between turning out for the first and second sides this term.
After starting at outside centre in the first Team's 41-10 bonus-point home win over Exmouth on March 9 - which sealed the South West Premier title - the full-back says competition for the shirt has improved the skills of everyone.
He said: “Both teams have been performing great each week, and people have been stepping in and out of each team so it has been such a good performance from everyone.
“Personally I prefer playing at full-back but I am more than happy to fill in anywhere I need to or the coaches ask me to play.”
The Seconds’ team took a big step towards the Zoo Sports Shield Division Two title last Saturday after a 46-20 win over London Irish Amateur Wanderers pushed them 14 points clear at the top of the table.
With usual centre Freddie Gleadowe missing out on the first team’s title-deciding game against Exmouth because of injury, Kirkpatrick stepped up from the 15 to 13 shirt.
Sammy Veneroso also leapt off the replacements bench for the final quarter of proceedings, and Kirkpatrick said following last season’s promotion play-off disappointment against Guernsey, it showed the character of everyone in the squad.
Kirkpatrick added: “Unfortunately Freddie Gleadowe got injured in the week before the Exmouth game, but it was great that the likes of me and Sammy Veneroso could come into the squad and just fill in anywhere because across both of the squads it is just the same team really.
“It does not matter who is playing where really, because we are all on the same page, and it worked out really well.
“Especially after playing away at Guernsey last year and losing that in the promotion play-off, and then coming into the game against Exmouth and winning against them so it has been really good this season.”