IT’S been a memorable year for Mold and Wrexham, and the duo will be aiming to end 2023 on a real high this weekend.

The pair have made a decent step-up to Division One North action after gaining promotion last season, but they’re both involved in a relegation battle with just over half of the campaign remaining.

Mold, who sit in the bottom two, face a long trek to Llangefni tomorrow.

“It’s getting a bit repetitive saying it is a must-win, but a loss will leave us with a lot of work to do at the bottom,” said Mold head of performance Oli Heald.

Mold head into the contest following a 36-3 loss at home to high-flying Llandudno before Christmas, with Seth Geary’s penalty providing the only points for the hosts.

“The performance against Llandudno wasn’t good enough and it’s been the story of our season,” added Heald.

“Once we feel we are moving in the right direction, we dip and take a step back.

“Credit to Llandudno, they play a good brand of rugby and their wide game was hard to contend with.

“This week, however, will bring about a different challenge and although we beat Llangefni earlier in the season, they will be fired up for this.

“The team remains unchanged from Llandudno, but the challenge for the players is to up the levels and put in a performance that is fitting of a Division One team and a representation of what we are trying to achieve on the training paddock.”

Wrexham sit just outside the Division One North relegation zone and they complete their year at home to Bala.

“We got a good win at COBRA last time out, so hopefully that will give some of the lads some confidence about what we’re trying to do,” said Wrexham skipper Jack Harrison.

“Saturday is another big test against a big side.

“Bala are always physical and we’re going to relish that battle in what is likely to be difficult conditions.

“It’s important for us not to get carried away with the win two weeks ago, but to focus on what we did well and try and replicate it this weekend.

“If we can bring the same level of physicality and control when we have the ball, it will give us the best chance of getting a result.”

Leaders Nant Conwy play host to fourth-placed Caernarfon tomorrow, while Ruthin go to Llandudno and Pwllheli entertain COBRA.

The Division Two North action gets underway this evening as Bro Ffestiniog pay a visit to Nant Conwy Seconds.

There’s a tough task for Shotton Steel with tomorrow’s home clash versus leaders Denbigh.

Other fixtures: Abergele v Colwyn Bay; Newtown v Welshpool; Rhyl & District v Bangor.

Division Three North East matches this weekend will double-up as Division Three Cup ties.

Flint, Mold Seconds and Wrexham Seconds all have home encounters, against Rhosllanerchrugog, Machynlleth and Bala Seconds respectively.

Llangollen-based Bro Gwernant head to Ruthin Seconds and the remaining encounter will see Llanidloes at home to COBRA Seconds.

Division Three North West: Caernarfon 2nds v Pwllheli 2nds; Colwyn Bay 2nds v Llangefni 2nds; Rhyl & District 2nds v Porthmadog.