NORTHWICH Sapphires resume what they hope will be a successful bid to claim the Cheshire Elite League title when they return to action on Saturday.

They enter the weekend occupying second spot in the table after recording seven successive wins to date this season.

Macclesfield will provide the opposition at Winsford Lifestyle Centre, from 1.15pm.

Sapphires warmed up with a friendly against Manchester Thunder's Futures squad, which includes Northwich star Libby Ahovi, earlier this week.

Chester Maroon, who have a two-point lead at the summit, proved too strong for Sapphires’ seconds when they met last weekend.

A 60-33 success is their seventh of the campaign, but they have played two more matches than their closest-rivals.

Results

Cheshire Elite League

Saturday, March 9

At Winsford Lifestyle Centre

Round 17: Chester Maroon 60-33 Northwich Sapphires 2nd; NW Panthers 36-35 Merseyside

Fixtures

Saturday, March 16

At Winsford Lifestyle Centre

Round 18: Chester Blue v Northwich Sapphires 2nd (10.15am); Chester Maroon v Capricorn (11.45am); Northwich Sapphires v Macclesfield (1.15pm)