ROB MASSAM made a triumphant return to the North Wales Crusaders ranks.

In his first appearance since last season's League One play-offs, Massam made a try-scoring return to action as Carl Forster's charges gained a 42-4 success away to basement side Newcastle Thunder.

It was just like he had never been away, with Massam grabbing a hat-trick of tries.

His first score arrived in the 18th minute as Crusaders, looking to make it back-to-back wins, enjoyed a promising opening.

Ben Lane opened Crusaders' account with a sixth minute try and that was followed four minutes later when Chris Barratt and Ben Evans combined superbly for the second score.

Massam's try came next and Crusaders concluded the half with Kieran Taylor's score after half-an-hour.

Lane converted two of the tries, while his other two kicks hit the post.

Shaun Costello put the game to bed with a terrific try 10 minutes into the second half and Lane was on the money again with the conversion points.

It was then Massam's turn to take centre stage with a pair of tries in the space of six minutes to complete a fairytale hat-trick.

Lane added Crusaders' final try on 78 minutes, a minute before Thunder gained a consolation score.