NORTH WALES CRUSADERS dealt with everything that was thrown their way to make sure they opened their new League One campaign with a victory.

It was a lengthy trek south for Carl Forster’s side to open their campaign and Crusaders also had to contend with a change in venue for Sunday’s showdown.

However, they came through the test with flying colours to record an excellent 40-16 success.

“We didn’t have to do anything differently,” admitted Forster.

“We were staying in the same place and we had watched the video of their previous game.

“It was one of those things, it didn’t change anything.”

North Wales players made the trip to Cornwall on the Saturday to make sure they were fully prepared for the contest.

“It’s good to spend the full weekend with each other and obviously you only get two hours a week training,” said Forster.

“It was nice to be around everyone for a long period of time.”

The last time the two teams faced each other was back in July, when Cornwall claimed a stunning a 40-38 success during their trip to North Wales.

Trailing 40-4 at the interval, Crusaders forged an epic comeback that just came up short, with tries being scored by Alex Eckley, Owain Abel, Connor Wrench and Jack Holmes.

However, this time around, Crusaders didn’t allow things to slip after they built-up a 22-0 interval advantage.

“It puts a few things to bed,” added Forster.

“I was sick of people asking me about last year!

“Naturally, subconsciously it does creep in your mind the last time you played them.”

Kieran Taylor crossed the whitewash early to open the scoring and this was followed 10 minutes later when Toby Hughes danced through the Cornwall defence.

As the hosts were made to pay for their ill discipline, Crusaders continued to make use of good field position with captain Chris Barratt powering his way through the defence to score the next try.

After half-an-hour, the visitors were able to apply further pressure with player-coach Forster crashing over from close range to give his a 22-point advantage going into half-time.

“Our pack led the way,” added Forster, whose message at half-time was to “do more of the same and keep our standards high”.

It didn’t quite pan out that way, with Cornwall grabbing three second half tries, while scores from Dan Coates, Forster and Hughes added to the visitors’ tally.

“You know what it’s like. You don’t have that 80-minute performance,” added Forster. “It’s impossible to get.”

There are home comforts in store as the Crusaders continue their league programme this weekend.

On Sunday, Midlands Hurricanes will be the visitors to Colwyn Bay’s Stadiwm CSM.