NORTHWICH Sapphires produced their best performance since they were promoted to the North West Championship League’s top-flight to inflict a first defeat on their opponents.

A 66-46 triumph against in-form YMCA Bury, who arrived at Rudheath Leisure Centre on Sunday with an unblemished record in Division One this season, is a third in succession for fast-improving Sapphires.

They were solid in defence and clinical in attack, rising to fifth in the standings as a reward.

It capped an productive 24 hours for Northwich’s first-team who had taken over top spot in the Cheshire Elite League the previous afternoon following an emphatic 61-40 win against closest-rivals Chester Blue.

They now lead the way with six wins and remain the only unbeaten side in a 13-strong division.

Northwich Sapphires' seconds enjoyed a 45-41 victory against Wilmslow's under 18s in a Cheshire Elite League encounter at Winsford Lifestyle Centre on Saturday

Sapphires’ seconds proved too strong for Wilmslow under 18s, recording a 45-41 win at Winsford Lifestyle Centre the same day.

However they found their Bury counterparts to be formidable opponents on Sunday, going down 80-43 in a regional league encounter.

Results

Cheshire Elite League

Saturday, January 19

Chester Blue 41-60 Northwich Sapphires Black; Chester Maroon 55-44 Macclesfield; Northwich Sapphires Yellow 45-41 Wilmslow under 18s

North West Championship League

Sunday, January 20

Division One: Manchester 70-35 Bramhall; Northwich Sapphires 66-46 YMCA Bury; Oldham 71-26 Warrington

Division Two: Denton 40-52 Chester; Manchester Giants 45-51 Darwen; Newman 26-57 Trafford Seniors; Northwich Sapphire 2nd 43-80 YMCA Bury 2nd; Ribble Valley 44-48 Warrington