YWCA Bury started the new year as they finished the last, stretching their winning run in the North West Premier League to five matches with a 44-36 victory at Manchester.

There was little between the sides going into half time, with Bury trailing by one point.

But changes made by coach Rob McKee, bringing on some fresh legs and moving Tyrene Karim into the attacking circle, paid dividends.

Elia McCormick and Chloe Addis demonstrated their qualities at the opposite end of the court with some fantastic work in the second half to make it difficult for Manchester to take their opportunities, while Bury opened up a 10-point lead going into the final quarter.

The home side were unable to claw that back, as Bury reached the halfway point in their fixtures third in the table, with their only two defeats coming in away fixtures at leaders Warrington and second-placed Oldham early in the campaign.

YWCA's next match will be at home to Warrington a week on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the club's Championship side, who are second in the table, will look to keep the pressure on leaders Darwen when they entertain Chadwicks this weekend.

The side went into the Christmas break on the back of a fine 68-24 win against NW Jays.