NORTHWICH Sapphires continue to prove that they can thrive at a higher level after extending a run of victories in the North West Championship League.

A 47-31 win against Warrington Town last Saturday is their fourth in succession and they climb to fifth in the Division One table as a reward.

They carry that momentum into a home date with Tameside at Rudheath Leisure Centre on Sunday, from 11.30am.

Their latest success included a fine attacking display in the first-half as a foundation before they demonstrated their toughness in defence after the interval.

Libby Ahovi, who is training with Manchester Thunder’s Futures squad as part of the Vitality Netball Superleague franchise’s performance pathway for talented youngsters, was picked afterwards as their best performer.

Sapphires’ seconds host their Tameside counterparts in a Division Two fixture on Sunday, from 9.30am.

They were in impressive form last weekend when they dispatched Knutsford in the Cheshire Elite League.

A 45-36 victory propels them up to fifth in the standings.

The first-team, fighting on two fronts, start a busy weekend on Saturday afternoon when they take on Merseyside in the same competition.

A target for them at Winsford Lifestyle Centre is a seventh straight win.

Meanwhile the seconds meet Tameside.

Fixtures

Cheshire Elite League

Saturday, February 23

Round 15: Tameside v Northwich Sapphires 2nd (11.45am); Northwich Sapphires v Merseyside (1.15pm)

North West Championship League

Sunday, February 24

Division One: Northwich Sapphires v Tameside (11.30am, Rudheath Leisure Centre)

Division Two: Northwich Sapphires 2nd v Tameside 2nd (9.30am, Rudheath Leisure Centre)