PROBLEMS with the team coach didn't take the shine off North Wales Crusaders' opening day League 1 win and Jono Smith wants to back it up with a first victory at their new home.

Crusaders are unable to play at their usual venue at Wrexham's Queensway Stadium because of Covid-19 regulations and have relocated to Stadiwm ZipWorld in Colwyn Bay in 2021.

The first game at their new venue is against Hunslet tomorrow and Anthony Murray's side will aim to build on last week's 44-24 victory at London Skolars.

Issues with the coach's windscreen wipers meant Crusaders arrived just half-an-hour before a slightly delayed kick-off, and there were further problems on the return journey, but Smith was not bothered with a win in the bag.

"The windscreen wipers had broken and it was battering it down," said Smith, who has returned to Crusaders for the 2021 season.

"Someone said the bearings had gone on one of the wipers and it kept catching. We took one of them off and left the driver's side on, but we had issues with the driver's side coming home as well!

"But we got the win."

Crusaders made a slow start with London on top in the opening stages but the visitors began to hit their stride and controlled the rest of the game, playing some expansive rugby league at times.

Preparation was far from ideal but Smith was delighted with the response from Cru.

"I think we only had 25 minutes when we got there before playing," said Smith.

"It was always going to be tough and the wind was really strong.

"We were against the wind as well first half which meant it was tough and the referee was a bit whistle happy, he was absolutely canning us.

"But then we settled down, scored and we looked comfortable after that.

"We got back on level terms and never looked back."

Victory was all that mattered but Smith was disappointed to concede 24 points.

"They were all sloppy tries to be honest," said Smith.

"I don't think they made one line-break against us all game but we still conceded four tries. We just switched off."

Smith is now looking to make it two victories in a row - and a first at Crusaders' new home - and gain revenge on Hunslet for defeat in a pre-season friendly.

"We've had a couple of games here in the past," said Smith.

"It's a good set-up and hopefully we get decent crowds when we get the fans back in.

"I didn't play in the friendly against Hunslet but we gave them a good game.

"They had a much larger squad than us and got three tries in the last 10 minutes.

"Hunslet will be desperate for the win because Workington turned them over in the first game but I definitely think we can beat them."