NORTHWICH Sapphires take with them the momentum gained from three successive wins when they return to action in the North West Championship League on Saturday.

They became the first team to inflict a defeat on YMCA Bury in a Division One fixture during the current campaign following a 66-46 success last month.

A 46-42 victory against Chester in a friendly last Thursday has kept them sharp too ahead of a trip to Warrington Town this weekend.

Sapphires, promoted at the end of last season, could climb into the table’s top-half if they extend their winning run.

“We certainly feel more at home at that level now and that’s shown in our performances,” said Lauren Watson.

“It’s a step up and we needed a bit of time to adjust but our confidence has grown now that we’ve proved we can hold our own.”

Play starts at Birchwood Leisure Centre from 9.30am.

A busy morning also sees Sapphires’ second team in action when they take on Knutsford in a Cheshire Elite League fixture at Winsford Lifestyle Centre.

They edged Wilmslow’s under 18s by a four-goal margin last time out to mark a return to winning ways after back-to-back defeats and sit seventh in the table entering the weekend.

Play starts at 11.45am.

Fixtures

Saturday, February 16

North West Championship League

Division One: Warrington Town v Northwich Sapphires (9.30am, Birchwood Leisure Centre)

Cheshire Elite League

Round 14: Knutsford v Northwich Sapphires 2nd (11.45am, Winsford Lifestyle Centre)