NORTHWICH Sapphires could not halt in-form Knutsford on their return to action in the Warrington and District League on Wednesday.

A 25-16 defeat in the Premier Division encounter leaves Sapphires sixth in the standings.

They play next against Halton Pearlz in seven days’ time.

Witton Albion continue to find life tough in the South Cheshire Premier League’s Championship Division, losing against Sharks in their latest match.

Middlewich-based Cheshire Stars T are fifth in the same section.

Stars S went down narrowly against leaders Harlequins in Division One.