With both teams entering the game on the back of four game winning streaks Valley wanted to get off to a fast start and they couldn't have got a faster one as, within the first minute, fly half Ed Oldridge charged down a defensive kick to score a converted try (7-0) and when, just eight minutes later, Jake Oldridge added a second try a romp looked on the cards.

Valley, however, then went into one of their mysterious slumps, displaying a lack of intensity, work rate and cohesion that allowed the visitors a way back into the game and, although Jake Oldridge added his second try, a converted try by Didsbury (17-7) left Valley knowing they faced a tough forty minutes.

Valley started the second half almost as quickly as the first when, within two minutes, Steve Rawson was quickest to react to a disrupted defensive scrum for a try that settled any nerves (24-7). Valley's pack were now dominant with Jake Boak leading a huge defensive effort and everyone contributing hard yards and the inevitable score arrived when debutant prop Charlie Pill dived over for a try (29-7).

Entering the final ten minutes and with victory assured Jake Oldridge completed his hat trick before a series of needless penalties allowed Didsbury to drive deep into home territory and finally the referee's patience snapped and he awarded a penalty try to leave Valley comfortable, but frustrated winners.

Tries: J.Oldridge (3), E.Oldridge, Pill, Rawson
Cons: Johnson (2)

Man of the match: Jake Boak led the defensive effort superbly and also contributed to the hard yards made by Valley's pack.
Mandy of the match: He might disagree, but Luc Charmasson's NFL-style spike of his catch was the unanimous choice of the spectators.

Next week (26 Oct) Valley will be at home again as they start their Robinson's Brewery Shield campaign when they entertain Stockport 3rd XV in a repeat of a recent league fixture which Valley won 33-15 (ko 1500hr @ Hope Sports Club).