Newton Abbot face arguably their biggest game for a number of years tomorrow when they host near neighbours Exmouth in the final of the Devon Senior Cup at Rackerhayes, writes Russ Baker.

The final comes at the end of an historic year for the club, who finished sixth in their first season in National South West Three.

Newton Abbot RFC – the All Whites – realised their potential and indeed their dream at the start of September, when they reached National League level for the first time in their history, being the only club in south Devon to have ever made it to that level.

As is usual, the doubters said that this would be a fleeting visit for the Kingsteignton-based club, but as they have done many times in the last eight years, the All Whites defied those of little faith, not only surviving at this level, but flourishing.

Instead of fighting relegation, the club astonished many pundits by finishing in the top half of the division.

From the first game, on September 4, when they held Chinnor to a 20-20 draw, those in the know quietly believed that this set of players could hold their own.

There have been lessons learned along the way, but they have been learned quickly and efficiently.

Most of the squad have grown in stature. A few have fallen by the wayside and injuries have taken their toll on a couple, most notably Brett Stroud, who suffered head injuries and had to call it a day half way through the campaign.

It is difficult to gauge where the heart beats in this team, but an exciting mix of experience and youth has undoubtedly been the key to the success.

You would have to look at Ben Cole, an off season recruit from near neighbours Torquay, as a major player in the success story. His organisational skills and experience have seen the side home on a number of occasions.

Then there is the mercurial Andy Birkett, who always plays on the edge and encourages those around him to do likewise. He has brought the best out of his back line and has encouraged the likes of Thor Normann, the club's young South African winger who, after a shaky season last term, has burst on to the scene this time around, scoring tries almost to order.

In the front row, messrs Mabin, Rogers, Channon, Radford and Porte have rotated effectively, backed up on occasion by the evergreen Nick Hammond, who has shown that you can start life in Devon One and finish up a National League player.

In the engine room, captain Matt Templeman has anchored well, with Paul Warren and James Head his regular partners, and on occasion Gareth Williams, who has worked his way into the fold having toiled away in the 2nd XV for much of the season.

The back row has been tigerish all season, with Cole at number eight the wise head.