SHOTTON STEEL head coach Dave Connolly expects a stern test of his side’s credentials at Wrexham this weekend.

Promoted from Division Three last term, the Steelmen enjoyed an emphatic return to tier two with a 68-0 demolition of Bangor last week.

Powerful centre John Ketland was Bangor’s tormentor-in-chief as he ran in five tries in the rout, with Shaun Kemp also dotting down twice.

But Connolly insists it is too early to gauge his side’s current standard against a Wrexham side who are determined to make up for last season’s promotion near-miss.

“It’ll probably be five games or so before we know where we’re at in this division”, he said.

“We’re not going to get too excited about our result against Bangor because we know Wrexham are a big step-up.

“Bangor had a few players missing and some younger lads in their set-up last weekend and we exploited that.

“It’ll be totally different against a Wrexham side who are well-established in this league and have a big set-up there.

“There’s wealth of players across their two sides and I’d say they have to be among the favourites to win the league this year.

“We’ve got a much smaller squad by comparison and have a few injuries to contend with ourselves, so it’s going to be a big test for us.”

After an opening 38-19 victory at Welshpool, Wrexham head coach Alan Jenkins hopes his side can make it two wins out of two.

“We struggled in a few areas and gave away far to many penalties,” said Jenkins.

“It’ll be a tough game this weekend, but if the forwards front up then we can try and go wide.”

Mold will chase a second win of the new campaign at home to Colwyn Bay, Newtown head to Llanidloes, Nant Conwy Seconds visit Bangor while Rhyl host local rivals Abergele.

Flint’s Director of Rugby Aled Davies has demanded maximum points from their home clash with Division Three rivals Rhos.

An opening day 22-13 defeat at Holyhead was to tough to take for Davies, who has upped the intensity of training ahead of today’s match at Cae-y-Castell.

He said: “Last week’s result was a tough pill to swallow, as we did more than a enough to bring a win back to North Wales.

“Though on reflection a losing bonus point might be vital later in the season.

“Rhos will give us a different challenge, and we’re expecting a battle up front.

"The coaching staff continue to improve the side so the squad are in good hands. I expect and demand a home win, the boys have heard this loud and clear!”

Wrexham seconds host Mold seconds in what is also expected to be a fiery game.

Wrexham captain Danny Guy, whose side lost at Holyhead a week ago, said: “The scoreline was a little harsh, we felt we were in that game till the end, but gave them too much of a foothold in the game.

“We’ve worked on a couple of ways to correct that this week and hopefully it will pay off come Saturday.”

Holyhead head to Anglesey rivals Menai Bridge, Llangefni seconds entertain Pwllheli seconds while Ruthin seconds go to county rivals Denbigh seconds.

In Division One, Llandudno host Nant Conwy, Ruthin make the short trip to Denbigh, Bala play at home to Bro Ffestiniog, Llangefni travel to Bethesda and Caernarfon welcome Pwllheli.