SEAN LONG said he would be ‘buzzing’ if North Wales Crusaders could get on the scoresheet during their Championship trip to Batley Bulldogs.
He got his wish as his side crossed the whitewash twice in their 106-10 reverse.
After beginning his tenure with an 80-0 defeat away to Goole Vikings, Long had a more settled squad at his disposal for the match against Batley - and Crusaders made their mark with a converted try in the 20th minute.
Bulldogs had built up a 20-point advantage by that point and they soon added their fifth try of the contest. Two more tries ensured Batley were 42-6 to the good at the midway point.
Batley continued their try-scoring form after the interval to top a century of points, as Crusaders responded with their second try late on.
This was a first match as Crusaders’ captain for Dom Horn.
Horn, who has had stints with Batley, Swinton Lions, Keighley Cougars and Hunslet, was one of the first signings announced by new head coach Long and he has been handed the captaincy through until the end of the campaign.
In addition, Connor Terrill has taken up the role of the team’s vice-captain.
Long told the club’s website: “After meeting Dom it was really clear that he would give me and the team all the qualities that we need and expect from a captain; experience and leadership.
“Dom has a presence the lads have immediately bought into and I am thrilled he has accepted the challenge of leading the group this year.
“Connor leads by action and I want the boys to look at him as the standard of being tough and competitive.
“Above all else we have two good people leading the group and that is what is most important to me.”
Upon signing for the club, Horn said: “When I spoke to Sean about coming to play for the Crusaders, I didn’t even hesitate to sign.
“Sean and all the staff here are wanting to take the club in the right direction again and happy to say I’ll be part of that process and get the club back up to where it belongs.”
In Friday’s Championship action, Newcastle Thunder eased to a 62-10 triumph at home to Goole Vikings, while Oldham got the better of Midlands Hurricanes 30-10.
Yesterday’s other results: Barrow 36 Hunslet 22; Dewsbury 32 Workington 6; Halifax 28 Salford 34; Rochdale 36 Swinton 32; Sheffield 10 London Broncos 72; Whitehaven 16 Keighley 14.
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