Crusaders secure a convincing victory in the opening game of the WRL season.

REPORT

• Crusaders racked up 42 points in the first half alone against Cardiff.
• Crusaders maintain their 100% record with a convincing victory in Pontypridd.
• Cardiff named four debutants in their squad following a number of off-season signings from fellow Welsh side, Torfaen Tigers

The crusaders stormed into a perfect start when Mason Baker scored after just three minutes. Matthew Turner converted before adding the next three tries and goals to make the score 24-0 on 12 minutes.

It took another seven minutes for Crusaders to go over again, but when they did, it was a Ffion McCabe try and Turner goal that put the score onto 30-0.

Further tries came from Baker and Turner with Turner converting both to put the score onto 42-0 at the break.

Cardiff finally broke their duck two minutes into the second half when Libbie Sargent scored in the corner. Daniel Martin converted.

But parity was restored three minutes later when McCabe scored his second after Jess Booth made the metres. Turner converted.

Cardiff hit back with Sargent’s second try before Crusaders responding with a Mason Baker try and goal.

NORTH WALES CRUSADERS:  Wyatt Jones, Mason Baker, Jess Booth, Fionn McCabe, Matthew Turner

INTERCHANGES: Harry Jones

Tries: Baker (3, 20, 51), Turner (5, 8, 12, 21), McCabe (17, 35)

Goals: Baker 1/1, Turner 8/8

Cardiff Blue Dragons: Libbie Sargent, Lee Sargen, Sian Morris-Parker, Daniel Martin, Poppy Clayton

INTERCHANGES: Charlie Puddick, Dane Oram, Matthew Morris-Parker, Tomos Parker, Patrick Martin 

Tries: Li. Sargent (32, 43)

Goals: D. Martin 1/2

North Wales Crusaders Player of the Match: Fionn McCabe

Cardiff Blue Dragons Player of the Match: Poppy Cayton

Referees: Scott Trigg-Turner, Tony Ellis