APPLETON Tigers are looking forward to the challenge of defending their Cheshire Women's Cricket League Division One title in 2016 under new captain Nathalie Long.

Emma Barlow has stepped down from captaincy after 11 seasons in which the Tigers won the Division One title four times, including a league and cup treble in 2010.

Jess Lewis, who has played for the club since she was 12 years old, steps into the role of coach, alongside her work with the Cheshire Cricket Board with whom she coaches the under 15s county team and inspires youngsters in local schools to take up cricket.

Last season, 15-year-old bowler Kathryn Jackson broke into the Cheshire senior team and won the players' player of the season award.

Now, Sami Fowler's outstanding performances for the Tigers with bat and ball have been rewarded with a call up to the county winter training sessions.

New skipper Long said: "We've got a great squad with players of all ages enjoying the game.

"We're always looking for more players so if any women or girls are interested they can email me at nathalielong@hotmail.co.uk.

"We will make people very welcome and provide all the training needed for new starters."

Appleton's women's and men's indoor training starts on Tuesday, January 12, at Bridgewater Lower School sports hall.

Appleton have entered the inaugural Cheshire Women's Indoor Six-a-side Tournament to keep their skills sharp ready for matches in the summer.

Women's cricket is a rapidly growing sport within Cheshire and across the country, helped by the success of the England women's team in recent years.