With the heavy rain and strong wind a total contrast to last week's balmy conditions, it was difficult to play attractive rugby, but Vandals gave it a good go and despite the defeat there were plenty of encouraging signs for coach Chris Davis ahead of next week's derby against Old Rishworthians and at least had the consolation of scoring the game's only try.

Despite playing up the slope, the visitors had plenty of pressure and it paid off when a deft chip over the Corinthian defenders from Chris O'Connor allowed Andrew Drake to score.

Vandals seemed not to be missing the five unavailable regulars and the introduction of Elliot Lowry at number 7 being significant, the Australian showing quality and enthusiasm on his debut.

However, the referee's attitude to the new laws, particularly at the ruck, affected both sides who were heavily penalised for feet off the ground, Vandals incurring 28 penalties in the first half alone.

It was frustrating for the spectators to see Damain Whiteley yellow carded for that offence with the try line beckoning when he was simply pushed from behind and had no choice but to fall forward.

Things did change in the second half after the referee's assessor intervened at the break, and the infringement was then dealt with more leniently.

By then Vandals had fallen behind to two home penalties and squandered a chance to restore their lead just before the break when they chose a scrum instead of a kick when awarded a penalty in front of the posts and it came to nothing.

And sadly, they were unable to reproduce their first half form and disappointingly could not haul themselves back into it as the game degenerated into a dour affair.

No points were added by either side to leave Vandals empty handed but they will be encouraged by the displays of Mark Lockwood who led the pack well and Jon Isherwood's 100 per cent effort.