The game was a rematch of the past three Citizens Shield finals.
It was Blues who started fast as Tyron Davies took a quick tap inside the 22m and darted through to score.
Tyree Manaia and Clunie then traded penalties before Valley scored their first try.
A nicely worked lineout move ended with Cameron Rowland crashing over and bringing his side within two.
Blues were reduced to 14 men just before halftime as Sile Vai Alivale was yellow-carded and Valley were building momentum.
They kept it going into the second half as Tony McCone scored from close range in the opening five minutes.
However, Blues hit back almost immediately after through Metuisela Seuta to retake the lead.
Manaia added another penalty to make it a seven-point game with 15 minutes to play.
Some nice passing down the short side from Valley put Matt Vocea over in the corner to cut the lead.
Valley had all the momentum, and the key moment of the game was Seva Druma being red-carded for a high tackle, leaving Excelsior short-handed for the remainder of the game.
That allowed Valley to flex their muscles as they earned two kickable penalties which Clunie knocked over to get the win and ensure Valley remained unbeaten.
Old Boys beat Kurow by a solitary point in a high-scoring thriller in which 13 tries and 79 points were scored.
The Red Devils led at halftime, but Old Boys squeezed out the 40-39 win with an impressive showing in the second half.
Athletic Marist remain the other unbeaten side after three rounds thanks to their win over Maheno.
The green machine kept it close in the first 40 to only be down by seven points.
However, Athies scored four second-half tries to blow out to a 43-17 win.
TOMORROW
Athletic Marist look to remain unbeaten as they take on Excelsior in the battle of the carpark in round four tomorrow.
Maheno head to Kurow to take on the red devils and Valley host Old Boys at Weston.
PRESIDENT’S GRADE
The race for the Burns Shield began last weekend.
Old Boys tipped up defending champions Kurow 33-26 in a rematch of the 2025 final.
Athletic Marist also began their season with a win, beating Union 78-31.
Excelsior begin their campaign tomorrow against Athletic Marist after having the bye in round one, while Kurow and Union go head-to-head in a country clash.
Old Boys has the bye.
WOMEN’S RUGBY
Excelsior are one from one in their debut season as they beat Hampstead 30-12 in their opening match on Friday night.
The team will have their first home game tonight under lights at Excelsior as they host Pleasant Point.
