Excelsior have begun their quest to repeat as Citizens Shield champions with back-to-back wins to start the 2025 season.
They also earned early bragging rights over rivals Valley — whom they met in both the 2023 and 2024 finals — with a 28-16 win on Saturday.
Valley started with a hiss and a roar, as they charged up the field and earned a penalty try in the opening five minutes.
Both sides were then able to settle in, but their defences stood strong.
Blues eventually struck back when a tighthead scrum inside the Valley 5m line had the opposition on the back foot.
They were able to spin it wide to Seva Druma, who dotted down in a corner.
An Isaac Clunie penalty extended Valley’s lead to five points at halftime.
Both teams then traded penalties to open the second 40.
Blues began to look dominant, as their physicality up front had them camped in Valley territory for most of the second half.
Their forwards rolled up their sleeves as they scored back-to-back tries.
The first saw Matt Laba burrow over from close range, and the second was No 8 Samu Babiau scoring off the back of a dominant scrum 5m out.
Fast running out of time for a comeback, Valley finally got to play in the right area of the park, and this allowed Clunie to bang over another penalty to make it a six-point game with five minutes to play.
Blues again worked their way deep in to Valley territory and some quick thinking from Josh Phipps saw him nail a drop goal to push the lead beyond a converted try again.
He then stepped up not long after to drill a long-range penalty which was the icing on the cake.
Phipps was impressive late and really took the game by the scruff of the neck.
The Blues scrum was dominant throughout and laid a fantastic platform.
Oli Knopp was rock solid at fullback and Matia Batavatavo was dangerous with every touch.
Their lineout, though, will have to improve as the season goes on if they want any chance of lifting the shield in July.
For Valley, Ben Paton put in a warrior-like performance despite being in visible pain for most of the second half. It was an impressive performance from the young midfielder.
Big wins to Old Boys and Athletic Marist capped off the second round of games.
Hosting Kurow, Old Boys held an 11-point lead going into the sheds, but four second half tries helped them walk away with a 42-8 win.
Down in Maheno, it was a similar story as Athies got their first win of the year, 42-16.
The teams now have a week off for Easter before the competition returns after Anzac Day.
