But the rest of the Citizens Shield is wide open as it reaches the halfway point of the second round this weekend.
Valley remain unbeaten after a big 47-7 victory over Athletic Marist — against whom they drew in round 1 — at home last weekend.
The men from Weston have been the benchmark with six wins and one draw, and five bonus points, for 31 points overall.
Excelsior have jumped back up to second spot after back-to-back wins, including a tidy 57-21 victory at home for club day.
The defending champions now have four wins and three losses, but have accumulated eight bonus points for 24 points overall.
Then it gets tight with seven points separating third and sixth.
Maheno (19) have slipped back to third after consecutive last-gasp losses and have three wins, four losses and seven bonus points.
Old Boys (17) are back in the playoff picture after winning two of their past three games.
They have now won three, lost four and collected five bonus points.
Athies (15) have had a couple of tough losses recently and sit fifth with two wins, one draw, four losses and five bonus points.
Kurow (12) have generally pushed teams all the way, but have been unable to shift up the ladder any further, sitting sixth with two wins, five losses and four bonus points.
Tomorrow brings another huge round.
Valley will be put to the test in a repeat of last year’s final against Excelsior in Weston.
Valley won the battle last month 24-20. Blues will be without halfback-first five Tyron Davies, who suffered a season-ending injury last week.
Old Boys make the trip up the Waitaki Valley to meet Kurow, whom they beat by one point last round.
Athies and Maheno will both be searching for wins to get back on track when they meet at Maheno.
