North Wales Crusaders made it two from two in their 2024 Betfred League One campaign, grinding out a 20-14 victory over a well drilled Midlands Hurricanes side in Colwyn Bay.
Carl Forster's side came into the game on the back of an opening round victory away to Cornwall, whilst Midlands were also looking for back-to-back victories following a demolishing of Newcastle Thunder a week before.
It was Crusaders who got off to a fast start in front of a crowd of 707 at Stadiwm CSM as the ball was worked out wide to Patrick AhVan who opened the afternoon's scoring with just seven minutes played.
However, it was the defence which has to be called upon for a period of time afterwards as the visitors forced repeat sets on the North Wales line before seeing what looked to be a certain score denied by excellent scrambling defence courtesy of Owain Abel.
Crusaders could not withstand the Midlands pressure for much longer though, as the Hurricanes opened their account courtesy of Matty Wellham to level the score at four a piece.
A tight battle ensued with both teams making errors under pressure, but it was the home team who retook the lead as Ryan Ellis reached out from a tackle near the line to ground the ball.
The lead didn't last for long, as just four minutes later Midlands went over for their second of the afternoon, sending the teams into half-time level at 10-10.
Forster's side came out fighting with the player-coach leading from the front as he powered his way over the line for his third try in two games.
Following further periods stuck in defence, North Wales broke nicely setting up AhVan for his second try of the afternoon to give a ten point cushion for the hosts.
With two minutes remaining, Midlands looked to stage a comeback as Max Knightbridge crossed in the corner.
However, it was too little too late for the visitors as Crusaders came away with two points courtesy of a 20-14 victory.
Attention now turns to next week when North Wales Crusaders host Newcastle Thunder at Stadiwm CSM, you can purchase tickets for the game by clicking HERE.