The home side dominated the contest with big performances from Aussie open side Elliott Lawrie, prop Andrew Murray and lineout ace Jamie Richardson. Scrum half Andrew Fox also showed his mettle after a traumatic week which included losing his job and a bereavement.

They built a 13-0 led and it was only in the closing stages, when scrums became uncontested after Rishworthians had front row players injured, that the visitors' backs were able to make an impression.

Home coach Chris Davis said: "It was a fantastic result and has got out season back on track."

Vandals were regaining the Trevor Whitworth Memorial Trophy after losing the only league clash between the pair last season, and Davis hopes his side will have developed enough to play a more expansive game in the rematch on January 31.

Tackling from Vandals was fierce throughout. They dominated the mauls and once they got near the visitors' line, their strength proved too much.

They opened the scoring midway through the first half when stand off Chris O'Connor kicked to touch two metres out and second row Dan Hoyle got the try from the resulting catch and drive.

Aaron Canning, at stand-off for Rishworthians on his return to the club, missed three penalties in a first half which finished 5-0.

Rishworthians' lineout failed to function and when Vandals stole the ball they drove over for a second try, again scored by Hoyle.

Vandals bombarded the visitors' line and eventually forced a penalty in front of the posts for handling in the ruck which Shane Lewis stroked over for a 13 - 0 lead.

Uncontested scrums gave Rishwortians a platform from which to attack and left wing Nick Faulkner, who had been denied by a fine last ditch tackle in the first five minutes of the game by Jon Isherwood, touched down twice in the corner.