ANTHONY MURRAY has paid tribute to the impact Rob Massam has made with the North Wales Crusaders.

Massam is departing the Crusaders at the end of this season and his former coach Murray has been full of praise for the talisman.

Murray, who suffered disappointment on Sunday as Crusaders beat his Workington Town side in a stunning 26-10 League 1 play-off win, said: “I just think he’s a fantastic competitor and his record speaks for itself.

“The tries he’s scored, he’s been a fantastic servant for North Wales Crusaders.”

In rugby union, promoted Wrexham and Mold opened their Division One North seasons with defeats at the hands of Caernarfon and Ruthin respectively.