ROB MASSAM has made an immediate impact on his return to rugby union.

Massam, a former Wales rugby league international and key figure with the North Wales Crusaders for over a decade, marked his return to the 15-a-side game with two tries in Wrexham’s thrilling 30-29 success over Bethesda.

Wrexham skipper Jack Harrison said: “We were boosted by Rob’s debut at the weekend, making a great impact and scoring two good tries. He’s a quality player and you can see why he’s had the career he’s had.

“What’s nice is that we’ve now got players like Rob wanting to come and play with us. He started his career at Wrexham Rugby Club and now he’s back 17 years later.”

Wrexham, who have won their last two matches by a solitary point, now face the toughest task in North Wales rugby as they welcome Division One North champions-elect Nant Conwy tomorrow.

Nant have won 17 out of 17 to comfortably lead the way in the standings and they are 25 points clear at the top.

“Saturday basically summed our season up, some really good stuff in places and some really poor stuff in others. Thankfully we managed to come out on the right side of the result but we know we have to improve,” added Harrison, after Jack Jones kicked a last-minute penalty to make sure of Wrexham’s ninth win of the campaign.

“This weekend is the biggest test you can get, Nant are the champions in waiting and deservedly so, but we need to make sure that we don’t get carried away with that and turn up ready to go.

“The lads put a great shift in away from home and we’ve got to get a mindset where we have a go and see where we’re at this weekend.

“It will be a tough challenge but if we front up physically and are accurate when we get the ball then perhaps we can cause them some problems.”

A fifth win of the season could haul Mold out of the relegation zone.

They will climb out of the bottom-two if they manage to secure victory at home to winless Dolgellau and Llangefni fail to secure a positive outcome from their home encounter with fourth-placed Caernarfon.

Mold boosted their survival aims via a crucial 13-10 outcome at Bala, who head to Ruthin tomorrow.

Elsewhere, Bethesda play host to Pwllheli and Llandudno entertain COBRA.

Shotton Steel have stunned title-chasing Denbigh and Colwyn Bay in action this season, but they still remain in the Division Two North relegation spots.

However, victory at home to Bro Ffestiniog tomorrow will see them out of the bottom-two.

Leaders Denbigh have home advantage versus Newtown, while Nant Conwy Seconds, who are second, head to Rhyl & District.

Welshpool travel to Bangor in the other league contest.

Turning to Division Three North East, where Wrexham Seconds and Rhosllanerchrugog face away days to Denbigh Seconds and Llanidloes respectively.

Mold Seconds entertain Ruthin Seconds, Flint go to Bala Seconds and second-placed COBRA Seconds are at home to leaders Machynlleth.

There’s a big weekend in store for RGC.

Ceri Jones’ side, who slipped into the bottom-two in the Premiership with last week’s 17-15 loss to Neath, are on their travels to Carmarthen Quins.

Jones told the RGC website: “Neath took advantage of our maul defence, which has been good this season, but... they won that battle and credit to them.

“We are all disappointed, but we can get back out next week against Carmarthen and put in a performance, as we won’t play as badly as that again.

“The disappointment for us is that we didn’t perform in front of a home crowd on a day where Afon (Bagshaw) wanted to celebrate his 200th appearance.”

Tonight, leaders Llandovery travel to Pontypool.

Tomorrow’s other fixtures: Aberavon v Merthyr; Bridgend v Neath; Newport v Cardiff; Swansea v Pontypridd.