WHAT a battle there is to avoid relegation from Division One North this season.

Wrexham currently sit at the foot of the standings, but things remain so tight with over a third of the campaign completed, with just four points separating the bottom-five.

For Wrexham, who have triumphed just once in the league so far, a huge Saturday is in the offing as they entertain Ruthin, just one position above them in the standings.

While Wrexham were beaten 26-20 by Llandudno last time out, Callum Riordan grabbed a crucial try in the last minute and Jacob Hughes’ successful conversion made sure of a losing bonus point.

“We’ve got a chance to right a few wrongs against Ruthin this weekend after our cup game a few weeks ago,” said Wrexham captain Jack Harrison.

“Our defence was much improved on Saturday, we just made it far too easy with penalties and errors, and a team like Llandudno won’t let you get away with that.

“Hopefully we can continue our improved display defensively and bolt on the small details that make all the difference this week.”

Mold are also in that tight bottom-five heading into tomorrow’s home clash with Llandudno, who currently sit in sixth place.

Mold head coach Alex Jones said: “We have had quite a difficult run over the last couple of weeks.

“We have picked up a few injuries along the way. But we are turning a corner now.”

With 11 points, Mold find themselves level in the rankings with Llangefni and Denbigh, just three points clear of the drop zone.

Jones added: “The bottom of the league is going to be entertaining for sure! There’s a few teams battling to stay up.

“Llandudno this week, which again will be a relatively tough one in terms of physicality.”

While injuries have been an issue of late, the appetite for game time within the club remains undiminished.

“We have picked up key injuries but we have got key talent in the squad to come on,” said Jones.

“Last week, we had 20 unavailable, but we still managed to get two squads out.

“We are looking a bit better this week. We’ve still got a few long-term injuries and some expected to be back for the Wrexham derby.”

Amongst the other sides looking to escape the clutches of relegation, Denbigh play host to Bala and Llangefni will entertain COBRA.

While there’s so much going on in the lower echelons, there is a massive showdown at the top of the rankings.

Leaders Nant Conwy host Caernarfon, with both sides boasting 100 per cent winning records. Pwllheli make the trip to Bethesda.

A tough away day is in store for unbeaten Division Two North leaders Welshpool tomorrow as they tackle third-placed Nant Conwy Athletic.

Colwyn Bay, in second, travel to Dolgellau, while Caernarfon Athletic and Newtown host Rhyl & District and Abergele respectively.

There are home comforts for Mold Athletic in Division Three North East as they tackle Rhosllanerchrugog tomorrow.

Second-placed Wrexham Athletic travel to COBRA Athletic, who are third, while leaders Llanidloes are at Ruthin Athletic.

Bro Gwernant, fresh from their 32-20 derby success versus Rhosllanerchrugog, will be looking to make the most of home comforts against Denbigh Athletic tomorrow.

Jack Wilson (2), player-coach Gwyndaf Davies and Crion Davies grabbed Bro’s tries in the derby triumph.

Bro Gwernant manager Huw Evans said: “As they say, a win is a win and that was the most important thing.

“Our season starts now and we look to take this confidence into our next match, with Denbigh coming to Llangollen this coming weekend.

“On a positive, the injury to Charlie Turner is not as serious as first thought so hoping he has a speedy recovery. Iestyn Hughes also picked up a knock but should be fit for the weekend.”