NORTH WALES CRUSADERS, who went in front against SOUTH WALES JETS at the Sue Noakes Leisure Centre, Wrexham with a try and goal by Martin Turner, were never again ahead in the first fixture in this season’s league, but the Jets were mightily glad to hear the final whistle in a 34-30 win.

South Wales led 28-12 midway through the second period, courtesy of three tries and four goals by Jamie Reynolds and touchdowns for Dane Oram and Leighton Morris.

The Crusaders, who had replied through Jonathan Gill, roared back to just 28-24 behind with the help of a Fionn McCabe brace.

But Reynolds gave the Jets some breathing space with his fourth try and his fifth goal in a 26-point haul, and it was needed when Turner grabbed his second touchdown – and landed his fifth goal – in the closing seconds.

A late Libbie Sargant penalty – her second goal – helped CARDIFF BLUE DRAGONS snatch a 34-34 draw with ABER VALLEY WOLVES, who had emulated the Crusaders by rallying from 28-12 adrift. 

The Wolves had the advantage through an Oscar Hawkins hat-trick, a Riley Jones brace and a try by Poppy Cayton, who improved one score (Anthony Pennell landed four goals).

Cardiff, meanwhile, notched a Charlie Puddick hat-trick, two tries by Jess Booth and touchdowns to Sian Morris-Parker and Joshua Flowers, with Daniel Martin converting one effort.