It is often the little moments that decide finals but this one was all about 20 minutes of inspired defence.
Valley claimed its first Citizens Shield since 2005 and eased the pain of losing the 2006 and 2007 finals with a display of heart and courage against a vigorous Athletic side.
Athletic scored two tries to one and always looked potent on attack, but Valley's composure under pressure delivered it the silverware.
The Weston-based club prides itself on being a tight-knit family and all the best elements of camaraderie were on show in the final 10 minutes of each half.
Athletic threw the kitchen sink and every other piece of furniture it could find at the Valley line but could not find a way through.
Waves of maroon jerseys pushed forward, to be met by an impenetrable line of gold and blue shirts.
"We were camped on our line at the end of the first half and camped on our line again at the end of the game," a weary and bloodied Valley captain Nick Webster said after the game.
"It was obviously anybody's game but I'm very proud of our boys for hanging in there."
Valley made the early running and led 8-0 when winger Daniel van der Salm made ground on the flank and the ball was worked infield for flanker Dave Simpson to score a try.
Athletic fired back with a good individual try when second five-eighth Simi Fuluasou stepped through three defenders, but the club would have been frustrated not to score at the end of the half.
Athletic started to dominate the second half, building its attack through the rolling maul and the direct running of No 8 Viliami Leo and centre Uilisoni Tahitua.
It took the lead within five minutes when halfback Etuini Latu directed a crossfield kick into the arms of Ofa Fatai, who fed hooker Viliami Utahaafe for the try.
Valley first five-eighth Hamish McKenzie starting looking for gaps and then kicked a penalty to close the gap to a point.
Goal-kicking caused both teams problems, with Valley missing five kicks from eight attempts and Athletic successful with just one from six.
McKenzie gave Valley the lead with a penalty in the 70th minute, Fatai missed a penalty for Athletic, and Valley gritted its teeth to defend its line.
Loose forwards Simpson and Blair Smith were industrious for Valley, while hooker Josh Collier consistently made ground with the ball.
First five-eighth Grant Johnston used his left boot effectively for Athletic and lock Jason Greaney was influential in the air.
Webster, busy and tidy behind the scrum, said Valley was an experienced side but that did not necessarily mean the final marked the end of an era.
"There are some guys not getting any younger, obviously. But we'll see who rolls around next year. We're a tight unit and the club's got a great atmosphere. It's been a pretty special season."
Valley 14 (Dave Simpson try; Hamish McKenzie 2, Nick Webster penalty goals), Athletic 12 (Simi Fuluasou, Viliami Utahaafe tries; Fuluasou conversion).
Half-time: Valley 8-7.
Referee: Hamish McMurdo.
