In a game that could have gone either way, the hosts eventually prevailed in a 63-point contest, winning 35-28 to take top spot in AIL 2B North.

Both sides made an enterprising start, moving the ball with pace and accuracy, but it was Malone who struck first after eight minutes.

Following a sustained spell of pressure, their number eight crossed for the opening try, which was converted.

The Valley enjoyed much of the territorial advantage throughout the contest, but Malone proved clinical when opportunities came their way in the visitors' 22.

The home side enjoyed an advantage in the lineout, causing the Valley considerable problems, while the visitors found a reliable source of possession in the scrum.

At the 15-minute mark, man of the match Ryan Stewart crossed for the Valley's opening try, finishing off a powerful run from David Stinson.

David Maxwell added the conversion.

A couple of well-struck penalties from Maxwell gave the visitors further opportunities to apply pressure, but a lack of control at the lineout allowed Malone to clear their lines.

In contrast, a well-executed penalty lineout and subsequent driving maul brought Malone their second try, although this time the conversion was missed.

The Valley enjoyed another good spell but were unable to find a way over the line, and Malone gradually worked their way back into the visitors' half.

Some slick handling across the backline created an opportunity for their winger to squeeze in at the corner for an unconverted try.

As half-time approached, the Valley responded.

A turnover provided the visitors with possession and the ball was moved quickly across the field, allowing Philip Wilson to dive over in the corner for an excellent try.

Maxwell produced an impressive conversion from the touchline.

However, Malone secured their bonus point on the stroke of half-time when a penalty try was awarded following a high tackle.

It appeared a harsh sanction from the visitors' perspective, but it left the hosts with a 24-14 advantage at the break.

The Valley's scrum became an increasingly dominant feature of the second half, with Malone struggling to contain the visitors' forward power.

Fifteen minutes after the restart, the Valley elected to take a scrum following a penalty award.

As the visitors drove forward, Malone were penalised for illegally stopping the advancing pack, leaving the referee with little option but to award a second penalty try of the afternoon.

With the gap reduced to just three points, the Valley set about chasing the lead.

However, Malone defended resolutely, backed by a sizeable home support, and managed to withstand considerable pressure.

The hosts also threatened when they made their way into the Valley's 22, with their lively backline creating opportunities for two further unconverted tries.

The closing stages belonged to the Valley, and captain Callum Smyton gave his side renewed hope when he broke from the back of an advancing scrum, stepped inside the covering defence and crossed for an excellent try.

Maxwell, who enjoyed an outstanding afternoon with the boot, added the conversion to bring the visitors back within striking distance.

The Valley threw everything they had at Malone in the closing minutes, but the home side held firm to secure a hard-fought victory and move to the top of AIL 2B North.

There was better news for the club on the adjoining pitch, where the second XV defeated their Malone counterparts in the league, with Brent Scott named man of the match.

The third XV also enjoyed a home league victory over Banbridge, with Chris Robinson taking the man of the match honours.

The ladies lost 34-5 away to Queen's, while the under-14s and under-16s recorded midweek victories in Strabane.

The under-18s also came away with a win in Omagh on Saturday.

There was further success for the club's girls, as a combined Clogher Valley/Armagh under-16 side recorded an impressive 40-0 victory over a combined Omagh/City of Derry team at the Cran.

Next Saturday, both the first and second XVs are scheduled to host neighbours Enniskillen.

Arrangements are still being finalised, with supporters advised to check the club's social media channels for match times and further details.

A shuttle bus will operate from the town due to limited parking at the ground, with further information also available through the club's social media.