Following the confusion surrounding this fixture seven days earlier, the division's top two teams finally met in this knockout competition game, sponsored by 1530 Restaurant. Marple turned up with a weakened side, but Valley's squad also showed several changes from their most recent game.

Valley have developed a pleasing habit of getting out of the blocks quickly and this game proved to be no different as, after just three minutes, some slick handling put Harry Oldridge clear for a try converted by Dave Ryder (7-0). This proved to be the full back's last contribution though as he suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury in the next attack, delaying the action for several minutes.

This loss didn't seem to affect Valley's determination as, just a minute later, they spread the ball wide and Jae Rodgers was the recipient of a great offload by Jack Greaves to score Valley's second try (12-0). Valley were in rampant form, a typically powerful Matt Keeley run saw the skipper score, leading scorer Jake Oldridge added a converted try before Ed Oldridge was the only player not to give up on a seemingly poor kick and Valley were 31-0 up with less than a quarter of the game gone.

To their credit Marple showed the determination that had seen them climb to 2nd in the league, forcing the hosts deep into their own 22 and crashing over from close range (31-5), this merely served to rejuvenate Valley as a powerful run from Joe Scouler saw the young second row score his first try for the Club before some more strong running saw Matt Keeley complete his brace (45-5).

Still Marple refused to quit, forcing the home team into conceding a series of penalties, which were finally punished by a converted try (45-12), but once again this stirred Valley into action and, with time running out, it wasn't so much opportunism as a complete mugging as Jake Oldridge stole a try from Steve Rawson following the scrum half's clever kick. It was enough to secure Valley an impressive 52-12 half time lead.

Valley introduced Alex Holliday for his debut at the break and when Steve Rawson found himself in support of a strong break by Will Boot for a converted try (59-12), a repeat of the first half seemed likely.

Marple had other ideas though and, as Valley once again showed an annoying tendency to let their standards slip, the visitors played the better rugby, adding another score. This prompted more changes by the home team, veteran hooker Andy Woodall maintaining his record of playing a game in every year of the Club's 42 year history whilst Jae Rodgers became the second player to suffer a serious knee injury and Valley were clearly rattled, but managed to restrict their opponents to just one more try to earn a 59-24 win and a 3rd round home tie with Congleton RUFC.

Tries: Keeley (2), J.Oldridge (2), E.Oldridge, H.Oldridge, Rawson, Rodgers, Scouler
Cons: J.Oldridge (5), Rawson, Ryder

Man of the match: A powerful all round display capped off by an impressive try saw Joe Scouler earn the award.
Mandy of the match: It's quite concerning when, just two hours before the game, the captain asks "Where's the kit?", it was enough to earn Matt Keeley named Mandy.

Valley are back on the road next Saturday (23 Oct) when they visit Macclesfield 4th XV in a league fixture (kick off 1500hrs).