RIVALRY RENEWED

Fixtures against local rivals, Bakewell Mannerians, were once a staple of Valley's fixture list, but, with the advent of league rugby and Valley's move to the NOWIRUL leagues, they had sadly disappeared from the calendar, that was rectified when Mannerians visited Hope Sports Club for a pre-season fixture.

With several players unavailable Valley adopted a "pick a shirt and play there" selection process which saw a centre partnership of No8 Jake Oldridge and prop Lewis Bowman whilst flanker Jae Rodgers wandered around at full back, looking thoroughly bored that he was so far from the action.

On a perfect day for running rugby it soon became apparent to the visitors that route one rugby wasn't going to work against Valley's resolute defence and they looked to exploit the width with only handling errors preventing an early score. Valley were equally stifled by Bakewell's defence, but some quick thinking from Jake Oldridge saw him crash over for the opening try, converted by Oliver Tibenham.

The lead was short lived, however, as Bakewell caught Valley's defence unorganised to level the scores before taking the lead just six minutes later (07-14) and defending that lead until the interval.

In warm conditions and with early season fitness being tested, Valley began to ring the changes, including the introduction of Kyle Boot for his debut, but it was to no avail as Bakewell made good use of the open spaces in a tiring defence to extend their lead (07-19). Undaunted Valley attempted to hit back and when Rodgers, restored to his favourite position, and Oldridge chased a kick it caused chaos in the visitors defence, the latter scoring a try superbly converted by Tibenham (14-19).

It was game on and Valley sniffed what had appeared an unlikely victory, but they were unable to find the crucial score and, as time expired, Bakewell broke away to score the clinching try of an entertaining game that had kept the spectators entertained and given the players some vital pre-season contact.

Tries: J.Oldridge (2)
Cons: Tibenham (2)

Man of the match: Chosen by the visitors, Jake Oldridge's two try performance earned him the award.
Mandy of the match: The kick pass is an entertaining addition to rugby, it only works, however, if your wingers know you're going to try it, George Watts' attempt was merely a kick to touch.

Valley's next appearance will be one of the biggest games in the Club's history as they travel to Nottingham RFC to face Amber Valley in the delayed NLD Vase final (Sat 27 August ko 1300hrs). The lads would appreciate plenty of vocal support and seats are available on the team coach (first come, f