After four opening losses in the league Stocksbridge demonstrated no lack off confidence taking on the Vandals in a double-header that would provide the victor with a league win and safe passage to the next round of the Silver Trophy.

Vandals mounted heavy pressure in the opening exchanges, testing the ruck defence of the home side with strong running. The defending pack were every bit their equal, forcing Halifax to settle for a shot at goal after ten minutes of pressure.

Both sides looked to their kicking options to gain territory as the game was tightly contested in the midfield; and with this came the first score of the afternoon for Stocksbridge. A superbly executed box kick invited the back line to set off in pursuit, as Scott Bowskill rose to claim the ball and find his outside man, who released Dave Potts into space for a try on his return to the valley.

The scoreline reflected the balance of play at half time with Stocksbridge holding a narrow 7-3 lead.

Continuing in the same manner after the break Stocksbridge caused problems with the boot, forcing Halifax to play out of their own territory. A penalty at the breakdown came in favour of Stocksbridge out wide and, not tempted by a kick to the corner, Scott Bowskill made the difficult shot to stretch the lead to a converted try.

Halifax responded with pressure of their own, gaining much success with their scrum, holding their own ball well and winning a couple more against the head. A scrum to Vandals five metres from the line was the one they had been waiting for, and the number eight was able to peel away for a try. The try was converted levelling the score at 10-10.

With memories of letting a lead slip in their last home match in the backs of their minds Stocksbridge set to, and after two seemingly clear cut chances for Halifax went begging it felt like it might be their day. With mere minutes to spare before the final whistle David Brown (sponsored by KB Ltd) broke the line and refused to be hauled down scoring a try that would win the game for Stocksbridge.

With that there was no time for Halifax to mount a comeback, Stocksbridge held out for their first win of the season. Sam Whitaker (sponsored by The Business Hair Salon) received the Man of the Match award with his rangy, evasive running that continually exploited the space around the Vandals ruck defence.

Skipper, Pete Newton, praised the commitment of his players after the game adding "I couldn't have asked for more from the boys today. The post-match changing room was awash with battered bodies with empty tanks but smiles all around nonetheless. After Vandals drew level we knew it would prove a firm test of character, especially having been the wrong side of close results in recent weeks, but our defence continued to absorb the constant pressure and we capitalised on our chances to see the game out."

Match report by Michael Quinn