HARLEQUINS lost their first game of the season in the North East Wales Netball Association (NEWNA) Winter League, blowing open the race to become Division One champions.

Mold Dragon won the game with the current league leader 55-50, meaning Harlequins are now only top of the table on goal difference.

Second place Deeside Demons – who are now level on points with Harlequins - reduced the deficit on goal difference to 52 after they claimed a 57-35 home win over North East Eagles.

Deeside Devils also edged themselves closer to the top as they dominated a derby clash with the Deuce, claiming a comfortable 56-30 success.

Holywell Hotshots were also on the right side of a derby day win as they saw off a winless Hawks side 58-30. In the division’s only other fixture, Clinton James clinched a 48-41 away victory at Colwyn Sports.

Meanwhile, the division three league leaders, Firebirds, continued their perfect record so far this season with 47-13 win at home to Ruthin Ladies.

The table toppers, though, are only three points clear at the top after penalties were given against the team for fielding an illegal player in their last outing at Mold Swift.

Second placed Holywell Hurricanes missed the chance to reduce that gap further as they were beaten 36-26 by a third placed Mold Swift side – leaving both teams three points off the top.

Holywell Hustlers lost again as they fell to a 44-14 reverse in their derby game with the Highlights who move up to fourth.

In the league’s only other game, Holywell Highfliers shot down Mold Hawks 51-29 to move within three points of their opponents in fifth.