APPLETON Tigers were crowned champions of Cheshire Women's Cricket League Division One with a game to spare after rain brought an early end to their game with Chester Boughton Hall.

Appleton were in a commanding position having restricted Chester to just 37 for 4 from the 27 overs they managed.

County star Kathryn Jackson got Tigers off to the best possible start, removing key batter Lorna Starkey in her first over.

Sami Fowler continued the great form she's shown all season, taking one wicket and conceding one run from her five ferocious overs.

Poppy Beardsell got a double breakthrough before rain intervened at Appleton and in nearest rivals Oakmere's game with Trafford.

It means the Tigers are league winners for the fourth time in six years.