Mold Rugby Club remembers much-loved duo

Mold play host to Bangor in Division Two (North) tomorrow, while the second team will welcome Llangefni seconds in Division Three (North).

The club will use the day to pay tribute to Dave Cottle and Dave Hopkins, who sadly died last month.

“With both teams at home this weekend it is also a great opportunity to celebrate the lives of Dave Cottle and Dave Hopkins who both passed away over the Christmas period,” said Mold head coach Oli Heald.

“Two people who have given so much to the club and whose families are still very much involved.

“As a squad this week, we have stressed the importance about what rugby clubs are all about and how they are so much more than playing on Saturday, which is something that I personally feel makes this group of players extra special and a privilege to be part of.”

Second-placed Mold will be looking to strengthen their title hopes versus a Bangor side still seeking a first league win of the season.

“After five weeks off, we are just excited to get playing again as it has been stop-start for a number of factors,” added Heald.

“What has been promising from our point of view is that we are starting to get some consistency with both the firsts and seconds, which has helped to shape our style and how we want to play.

“That said, however, there are a lot of boys playing in the second team who are really pushing for places in the first team and praise goes to all the players for making this a really competitive senior squad.”

Seth Geary will make his first team debut at scrum half, with Richard Hopkins moving back to his preferred position on the wing.

Reece Le Tissier will replace Ross Noble in the second row.

“It is hard to know what to expect from Bangor which will make it a tricky game, so we know we need to set platforms through our set piece early on to hopefully give us some opportunities later on in the game,” said Heald.

Rare home comforts could be a weekend feature for leaders Wrexham.

They’re scheduled to host Shotton Steel tomorrow, although some doubts surround the game.

Wrexham are top of the table with four wins from four games - all of them away from home.

Wrexham number eight Jack Harrison said: “We know that is going to be a real fight as it always is against them.”

Other fixtures: Colwyn Bay v Rhyl & District; Newtown v Abergele; Welshpool v Nant Conwy 2nds.

There’s a tough ask for Wrexham Seconds in Division Three as they host unbeaten leaders Ruthin Seconds while Flint pay a visit to Rhosllanerchrugog.

Other fixtures: Holyhead v Pwllheli 2nds; Llanidloes v Menai Bridge; Machynlleth v Denbigh 2nds.

In Division One (North), Pwllheli will take over at the top if they claim a victory during their trip to Cae Ddol tomorrow to tackle mid-table Ruthin.

Third-placed Bethesda go to Nant Conwy, who are fifth, while Llandudno defend their unbeaten record at home to Caernarfon.

Bala target a third win in a row at Denbigh and bottom-of-the-table Bro Ffestiniog host Llangefni.

A spot in the top-two in the Premiership will be RGC’s reward if they beat visitors Cardiff tomorrow.

The North Walians go into the match after a thumping win over Llanelli at the start of the month.

It was a dominant display from the visitors and they were on top from the off, with Rhodri King grabbing the opening try after only five minutes.

Performance manager Josh Leach told the club’s website: “It was really pleasing to see a number of the younger senior Academy players feature in the win over Llanelli.”

Leach added: “With the disruption of Covid looking certain to continue, the next few months will present numerous opportunities for these lads to gain more Premiership experience.”