KNUTSFORD’S netballers lost a topsy-turvy encounter with Sandbach Storm in the Cheshire Elite League’s Premier Division in Winsford on Saturday.

They trailed by 11 goals at the interval, closing the gap to three in the third quarter before goal shooter Jenny Blake was forced from the court with a serious ankle injury.

Knutsford battled on afterwards, only for Sandbach’s defence to resist their late pressure to record a first win of the season by 43-32.

In the Warrington and District League on Wednesday, Knutsford’s seconds cruised to a 24-8 success against Wanderers in Division Two.

The club’s fourth team lost heavily, 31-6, to Northwich Sapphires thirds at the level below.

Cheshire Elite League Premier Division, Saturday: Mersey Police 55 North West Wales 54; Sandbach Storm 43 Knutsford 32.