YWCA Bury put themselves in the running for a top-two finish in the North West Premier League after claiming a 43-35 victory at home to high-flyers Oldham.

The Bury Grammar-based side avenged a defeat in the reverse fixture at the start of the season, which put them well and truly on the back foot.

After losing by two points at current leaders Warrington on the opening day, YWCA followed that up with defeat at Oldham in the third match of the campaign.

Since then they have been playing catch-up, but after losing just one more game in their last eight – by one point at home to Warrington – Rob McKee's side have now clawed themselves back up to third in the table, one place and two points behind Oldham.

With seven games remaining and fixtures against both the top two completed, Bury can now put real pressure on Oldham, although it looks unlikely they will be able to overhaul the 12-point gap to leaders Warrington.

Bury edged every quarter against Oldham to eke out their eight-point winning margin.

The finished the opening period 10-8 to the good, largely thanks to another solid performance from defensive unit Elia McCormick and Dani Bloomfield.

They were complemented by strong drives from Jenny Cross, Lois Pearson and Megan Burns in centre court, while shooters Imogen Turner and Lauren Tattersall made the most of every turnover to help Bury to half-time with a 20-17 lead.

The introduction of Nell Clerkin, Millie Roscoe and Chloe Addis at half time, who provided fresh legs and added impetus, helped them widen their advantage to 33-28.

Addis went on to make some fabulous interceptions and was eventually named player-of-the-match as Bury stretched their lead further in the final quarter.

Bury's Championship team made it six wins from seven matches with a comfortable 51-32 victory at second-bottom Trafford.

Kirsty Bloomfield was named play-of-the-match after a dominant display in centre court.

Bury's Premier League side are at home again on Sunday when they entertain mid-table Blackpool.