NORTHWICH Sapphires ended a wait to celebrate a first win of the season in the North West Championship League on Sunday.

They rise to eighth in the Group A table following a 45-29 success at Trafford.

It completed a weekend to savour for the club’s first team, who had beaten Capricorn 51-43 in the Cheshire Elite League the previous day.

Goal attack Jay Barlow received the player of the match award.

Sapphires’ second string suffered a narrow reverse against Deeside, going down 34-33 following a close encounter at Winsford Academy.

“They played out of their skin,” said spokesman Siobhan Goryl.

Both teams resume their campaigns in the Warrington and District Winter League tonight, Wednesday.

Sapphires’ firsts meet Alloy, while the seconds will take on Knutsford.