NORTHWICH Sapphires’ improvement on the regional stage will be tested when they host YMCA Bury, who are unbeaten, this weekend.

However they enter that meeting buoyed by back-to-back wins in the North West Championship League’s top-flight including a 59-36 triumph at Bramhall last time out.

It is proof they are adjusting to life at a higher level after being promoted from Division Two at the end of last season.

Bury have won all five matches to date but were pushed by Oldham a fortnight ago.

Play starts at Rudheath Leisure Centre from 9.30am on Sunday.

Sapphires’ seconds take to the court the same morning, from 11.30am, when they face their Bury counterparts.

A busy weekend starts on Saturday when the first-team meet Chester Blue in a Cheshire Elite League fixture at Winsford Lifestyle Centre.

Both teams have an unblemished record to date, and are level on points at the top of the table.

Play starts at 2.45pm.

Wilmslow’s under 18s provide the opposition for Northwich seconds, who are seeking a return to winning ways following a 51-30 defeat to Capricorn in their most recent outing before Christmas.

They clash from 11.45am.

Fixtures

Cheshire Elite League

Saturday, January 19

At Winsford Lifestyle Centre

Chester Blue v Northwich Sapphires Black (from 2.45pm)

Northwich Sapphires Yellow v Wilmslow under 18s (from 11.45am)

North West Championship League

Sunday, January 20

At Rudheath Leisure Centre

Division One: Northwich Sapphires v YMCA Bury (from 9.30am)

Division Two: Northwich Sapphires 2nd v YMCA Bury 2nd (from 11.30am)