APPLETON secured second spot in the Cheshire Women’s League’s top flight with a game to spare when they thrashed Oxton by 101 runs at the weekend.

Batting first at Lyons Lane, the hosts soon applies pressure on the visiting bowlerswith some excellent shots.

Emma Barlow and Charlotte Cross laid a foundation for a big total during a superb second-wicket partnership, Barlow top-scoring with 60.

Their efforts allowed the likes of Sylvia Christelow and Chris McLean to come in down the order and bat aggressively, and their late hitting increased the total to 165-7 from their 40 overs.

If Appleton were impressive with the bat, they were better still with the ball as they immediately set about dismantling Oxton’s batting line up.

Olivia Horsfield led the way with superb figures of 3-4, while skipper Nat Long wasn’t far behind her as she took 3-6.

Youngsters Molly White and Kaytlin Watterson picked up a wicket each as Oxton were restricted to 64-8 from their 40 overs.

Appleton will look to continue this form when they host third-placed Oakmere on Sunday.

That was the only game played by a Warrington team over the course of a weekend that saw rain wash away the rest of the programme.

Grappenhall and Warrington, who both need points at either end of the Cheshire County League’s Division One table, had their games – against Davenham and Tattenhall respectively – cancelled.

Grappers stay second, 32 points clear of third-placed Oulton Park with 50 left to play for ahead of Saturday’s visit from fourth-placed Weaverham.

Meanwhile Warrington remain perched perilously above the relegation places, 18 points clear of second-bottom Cheadle Hulme.

They visit Oxton on Saturday.