Doncaster 18 Blackpool Panthers 46: Doncaster threaten fightback but fade

The Dons went behind after just 40 seconds and despite hinting at a dramatic comeback in the second half, they rarely troubled the well-organised and powerful visitors.

Carl Forber took advantage of Dons' sleepy defence to touch down with ease early on and Tom Hemmingway converted.

Swift passing work saw Blackpool increase their lead with Marlon Miller touching down in the corner. Hemmingway converted from a tight angle.

Two tries in quick succession from Dean Thompson and Casey Mayberry took the game beyond Doncaster. The 24-0 lead was carried into the break but Doncaster came out a changed side and initially looked capable of a shock turnaround.

Dean Colton charged down the wing and cut inside to score, Aaron Dobek converting, and three minutes later Garry Ellery sprang in from 15 metres for another converted try. But slack defending allowed Mayberry to gallop clear and restore Blackpool's superiority.

The Dons took advantage after Forber was sin-binned with Jack Ely powering over for a third try which Dobek converted. But Blackpool saw out the contest with ease as tries from Damian Monroe and Martin Ainscough, both converted by Hemmingway, increased their margin.

Doncaster: Griffiths, Henry, Gomersall, Butterfield, Colton, Dobek, Fawcett, Ellery, Hughes, Crawley, Steen, Jones, Lunt. Substitutes (all used): Bovill, Ely, Kesik, Wilson.

Blackpool: Ainscough, Miller, Mayberry, Thompson, Woodcock, Forber, Hemmingway, Best, Clough, Ratcliif, Halliwell, Llewellyn, McUlly. Substitutes (all used): Holland, Bolland, Monroe, Thomas.

Referee: D Merrick.