The Colwyn Bay side, who brought in the former Hunslet boss after Carl Forster’s departure in the wake of League One title success, took a firm grip in the first half.
Swinton were restricted to only a handful of meaningful attacks while Crusaders scored four of their six tries.
North Wales were well served by halfbacks Dec Patton, signed from Widnes, and Jordy Gibson, a former Lions player.
And secondrow Brad England showed what a solid signing from Keighley he could be with an industrious display, while former Widnes forward Will Tilleke impressed from the bench.
Early on, North Wales won a penalty when Anthony Walker was tackled high, and from the resulting set, they moved within range. Lloyd Roby found Cole Oakley, who forced his way over. Patton’s conversion attempt drifted wide.
A low kick from Patton moments later was just too long for the chasing Jake Spedding, while Swinton were kept at a bay for much of the next spell.
A crunching hit from Walker stopped Kenny Baker after 15 minutes, and the hosts surged downfield, with a deft kick inside from Gibson enabling Patton to pounce, then add the goal for a 10-0 advantage on 16 minutes.
An impressive run from Louie Roberts gave Swinton a platform and they threatened before a shallow kick by Reece Briers was taken by Jayden Hatton.
But Ellis Anderson put Swinton on the board after Tom Ratchford kicked left, and Briers converted.
A superb long kick from Roby lifted the hosts, and a late challenge on Gibson brought a fourth penalty, from which crisp link‑up play through the spine gave Luke Forber his chance after 27 minutes, although Patton couldn’t add the extras.
North Wales continued to look dangerous whenever they entered good ball territory, and slick handling down the right between Joe Baldwin, Gibson and Roby produced a surging finish by Brookes at the corner, with Patton converting from the touchline.
Jonny Openshaw crossed on Swinton’s next set but lost the ball, and North Wales cleared their lines comfortably.
A kick forward from Forber forced a Swinton error, but North Wales couldn’t capitalise and had to settle for a 20‑6 half‑time lead.
Swinton began the second half brightly, with Finley Beardsworth storming through the middle and Openshaw going close before Jamie Reddecliff was held up after 45 minutes.
And Briers was also denied as the North Wales defence held firm.
A high tackle on Connor Parkinson kept Swinton on the attack, but a superb 40‑metre burst by Spedding relieved pressure and forced a drop‑out.
A long ball from Patton then sent Brookes over in the right corner for the first points of the half, although the try-maker was off target from the tee.
As the game became scrappy, North Wales squandered good chances, with Tilleke’s efforts going unrewarded.
A sharp break from Swinton’s Lucas Coan came to nothing due to a forward pass, while a promising home attack was ended by a Harry Higham interception.
Further points finally came after 67 minutes when Hatton powered over on the right and Gibson goaled.
A tremendous run from Greg Eden almost produced another score, but a dropped pass ended the opportunity.
At the other end, an equally strong burst from Ethan Fitzgerald also came to nothing.
Both sides will take positives from the work-out, with Swinton hookers George Roby and Openshaw impressing, and Coan, Fitzgerald and Parkinson also showing up well.
GAMESTAR: Dec Patton gave a controlled performance at scrum-half for North Wales.
GAMEBREAKER: Ollie Brookes’ second try put Crusaders too far clear of the visitors.
MATCHFACTS
CRUSADERS
11 Lloyd Roby
2 Ollie Brookes
3 Jayden Hatton
4 Jake Spedding
5 Luke Forber
6 Dec Patton
7 Jordy Gibson
8 Anthony Walker
9 Josh Eaves
16 Jack Houghton
25 Brad England
12 Cole Oakley
13 Pat Moran
Subs (all used)
10 Chris Barratt
1 Liam Cooper
14 Joe Baldwin
15 Charlie Glover
17 Ashton Robinson
18 Junior Westwood
19 Shaun Costello
– Will Tilleke
23 Greg Eden
24 Kian Fishwick
22 Tom Bridge
Tries: Oakley (7), Patton (16), Forber (27), Brookes (33, 56), Hatton (67)
Goals: Patton 2/5, Gibson 1/1
LIONS
1 Louie Roberts
5 Harry Higham
17 Adam Jones
2 Ellis Anderson
32 Connor Parkinson
7 Reece Briers
19 Tom Ratchford
21 Ben Killan
9 George Roby
10 Bobby Shingler
4 Aaron Willis
29 Trent Kelly-Duffy
13 Kenny Baker
Subs (all used)
33 Deane Meadows
15 Jordan Brown
36 Kye Jacobson
28 Jimmy Shields
12 Hamza Butt
14 Sean Murray
30 Ethan Fitzgerald
26 Lucas Coan
20 Jamie Reddecliff
24 Jonny Openshaw
16 Finley Beardsworth
Tries: Anderson (23)
Goals: Briers 1/1
SCORING SEQUENCE: 4-0, 10-0, 10-6, 14-6, 20-6; 24-6, 30-6
Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Crusaders: Dec Patton; Lions: Jonny Openshaw
Penalty count: 7-5
Half-time: 20-6
Referee: Ryan Cox
Written by Dave Parkinson