In the second round match of the BHP Premiership, Valleys returned to Emerson Park for their first home match of the season to meet traditional rivals West Brisbane Panthers.
A massive crowd descended on Emerson Park to watch four matches on the day between these two great historic clubs at one of the best footy grounds in Brisbane.
The first half saw Valleys get away to a 16-0 lead as the opportunities seemed to mostly go their way in a fast-paced match. Some slick back line movements saw Valleys score three tries to virtually put the game out of reach of the visitors.
West's coach Craig Green admitted his young team, mostly aged 19 and 20, did a pretty good job of holding Valleys to only three tries in the first half. He felt some opportunities were missed, suggesting overturning these comes with age and experience.
Valleys' tries in the first half were scored by Kody House, Patrice Chambers and Meg Ward with Ward also kicking two conversions.
Match: Diehards v Panthers
Round 2 -
home Team
Diehards
2nd Position
away Team
Panthers
7th Position
Venue: Emerson Park, Brisbane
The second half was a more dour affair with both sides scoring one try each. Green praised his entire team for their commitment in sharing the points scoring with Valleys in this half.
The final score was a win to the Diehards at 20-4 with tries in the second half to Valleys talent Shenae Ciesiolka and to Panthers gun Lauren Dam.
Valleys coach Scott Prince was generally happy with his side's win however lamented some missed opportunities, particularly out wide when breaks were made, however not capitalised on.
He felt his forwards were on top most of the game which set up some excellent raids into the opposition's territory.
Captains Ali Brigginshaw from Valleys and Asi Mafi from Wests both remarked on the spirit of the game - played hard but fair. Both teams will also be better for the run under their belt.
Valleys had a win in their first round game against North Queensland Gold Stars in Cairns last week and are scheduled to play the Beenleigh side next.
Match: Diehards v Valkyries
Round 3 -
home Team
Diehards
2nd Position
away Team
Valkyries
8th Position
Venue: Emerson Park, Brisbane
Due to excessive rain at Beenleigh, the game has been transferred to the Valleys field.
Wests went down narrowly to Central Queensland Capras in Round 1 and meet Easts Tigers away in Round 3.
Match: Tigers v Panthers
Round 3 -
home Team
Tigers
7th Position
away Team
Panthers
4th Position
Venue: Totally Workwear Stadium, Brisbane
Congratulations to Kody House from Valleys on winning the Hastings Deering Player of the Match award.
