Rochdale Hornets 56 Doncaster 24

Danny Samuel, Dayne Donoghue (2), Wayne English, Craig Johnson and Bolu Fagborun all ran in first half tries to give Hornets a 30-point lead before Edwards got Doncaster on the score board with a try and a conversion.

Edwards scored another try after the break to help his side recover from going 30-0 down at Spotland - before leaving the field with his leg in a splint after falling awkwardly.

Scrum half Fawcett had earlier gone off with a dislocated finger as Doncaster's league season got off to the worst possible start.

Scores from Jack Ely and Edwards helped reduce the deficit to 12 points at the start of the second half.

But Phil Wood took advantage of Doncaster ill-discipline to extend Hornet's advantage, while Paul Raftery, Dean Gorton (2) and Ste Roper added to Doncaster's misery.

Ely scored again for the visitors during the final play but it was too little too late.