Following their promotion to NOWIRUL Division 3 South a chaotic start to the season was hardly what Valley needed, but it's what they get, leaving them without a game throughout September.

Their campaign finally got underway with the long journey to face Lymm Eagles, who were 2nd in the league and had been bolstered by the recent return of several of their RL players, and it was a depleted Valley squad of 15 that made the journey with veteran Graham Green stepping up to start at prop whilst Innes McLeod made his debut for the Club in the second row.

In perfect conditions and on a wide pitch, it was obvious that the home team would look to exploit the open spaces and they soon led 5-0 and this set the tone of a try roughly every ten minutes as Lymm opened up a 22-0 lead. Deprived of their main source of lineout possession, the unavailable Jake Oldridge Valley's attacks were few and foundered on a well organised defence and when Green was forced to depart through injury, their scrum, which had seen some success, was also weakened.

To make matters worse, as the second half began, the strong breeze, which had aided Lymm's tactical kicking in the opening period, dropped, reducing the visitor's attacking options. However, after conceding another try, it was from a kick that Valley scored their first points. Scrum half Steve Rawson was quickest in a foot race to a long kick, but was tackled before he was able to gather possession. After some "advice" the referee agreed it was a penalty try and Valley cut the lead (27-7).

Valley were now dominant with their half back pairing troubling Lymm and it was this pairing that created another score as Rawson set up Rory Williams for an unconverted try (27-12). Was an unlikely comeback on the cards?

Unfortunately not and, as Valley's defence tired, Lymm ran in three further tries to extend their lead to 46-12, cementing their 2nd place in the league behind unbeaten Northwich.

Tries: Penalty try, Williams

Man of the match: It's rare that the award is given for a single play, but Jack Greaves's chase and try saving tackle in the dying moments epitomised the spirit of the Valley team.
Mandy of the match: A clear case of ambition outweighing ability as George Watts' demand to take a penalty kick saw the ball do a passing impression of a dying duck as it wobbled into touch.

Valley's stop-start season will stop again next Saturday as they have another weekend off before hosting Liverpool St Helens 2nd XV at Hope Sports Club on 15 October (ko 1500hrs).