Rochdale Hornets 28 Blackpool 26

Late drama at Spotland saw Hornets record their first win of the new season, overcoming Blackpool with a last minute try and a conversion after the final hooter had sounded.

It looked as though Hornets would be consigned to a third successive Northern Rail Cup defeat, despite a much improved performance on previous losses to Oldham and Barrow, but Paul Rafferty's late late try brought Hornets level and then Wayne Corocran converted to add the crucial extra points.

Hornets went into the half time break 12-6 ahead thanks to tries from Dayne Donoghue, Casey Mayberry and Martin Ainscough, with Mark McCully the only Blackpool scorer.

Hornets started the second half strongly with a try from Jonny Walker but they began to lose their way as the half wore on and converted tries from Jonny Leather, McCully, Martin Keaveney and Damian Munro saw Blackpool take a commanding lead into the dying stages.

John Gillam gave the home side hope before Rafferty set up a memorable victory for Hornets; their first as a new club.