ONE of the secrets of Totnes's success this season has been having a solid platform up front, epitomised by the battle-hardened front-row of Tim Woodward, Dave Shinner and Chris Life.

Totnes have had a platform up front from which to launch their attacks and the backline has cashed in week after week.

Mark Hooper, a former Totnes captain and still a senior figure in the side, said the input from the front row could not be underestimated.

"They are gnarled and experienced and where we are playing that's what you need," said Hooper.

"Chris Life has been with us since he stopped fiddling around with football as a teenager and must be coming up for 20 years now.

"Dave Shinner has tried almost every position in the pack before settling in at hooker, and it is the place he has played best at.

"Tim Woodward didn't take up the game until he was 26 or 27, but has been a mainstay of our pack for the last 15 years – and he scores valuable tries too.

"They have done a great job for several seasons and we hope to get a few more out of them yet."