APPLETON continue to lead the way in the Cheshire Women’s League top flight following an 82-run defeat of Oxton on Sunday.

They posted 121 for 9, led by Sami Fowler’s 28, before skittling their hosts for 39.

Annie Rashid claimed four wickets for as many runs, while Olivia Horsfield took three.

Meanwhile in midweek Fowler, Laura Jackson and Rashid reached the retirement score of 25 in a 118-run thrashing of Bredbury in the T20 Eastern Division.

Fowler, Rashid and Kathryn Jackson took two wickets each as their opponents replied on 47 for 9.