NORTHWICH Sapphires celebrated their most convincing victory of the season in the North West Championship League when they extended a winning sequence to five matches.
A 72-40 success against Tameside at Rudheath Leisure Centre on Sunday has propelled them up to fourth in the table.
Libby Ahovi was chosen afterwards as their player-of-the-match and with their two remaining games at home – against Oldham and then Chester – they can be confident of making a strong finish.
Sapphires’ seconds took part in an absorbing encounter, also against Tameside, in Division Two before falling to a narrow 51-49 defeat earlier the same morning.
Rachel Bannister was their most impressive performer on the court.
The weekend had started in encouraging fashion when the first-team maintained an unblemished record in the Cheshire Elite League with a 54-41 success against Merseyside at Winsford Lifestyle Centre.
Lydia Patterson was picked as their star turn as they recorded a seventh straight win.
A lead over closest-rivals Chester Maroon is now worth eight points.
They complete their campaign next month with head-to-heads against Macclesfield and Sapphires seconds.
Results
North West Championship League
Division One: Blackpool 46-39 Chester; Capricorn 58-57 YMCA Bury; Elysium 69-27 Bramhall; Manchester 46-40 Warrington Town; Northwich Sapphires 72-40 Tameside
Division Two: Darwen 55-46 Trafford Seniors; Manchester Giants 56-48 Chester; Newman 28-57 YMCA Bury; Northwich Sapphires 49-51 Tameside; Ribble Valley 43-44 Trafford Youth
Cheshire Elite League
Round 15: Northwich Sapphires 54-41 Merseyside; NW Panthers 45-43 Deeside
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