APPLETON Tigers fell to a 69-run defeat to Oakmere in the Cheshire Women's Cricket League at Lyons Lane on Sunday.

They started well with the ball, with Nat Long conceding just seven runs from as many overs and Kathryn Jackson and Olivia Horsfield both taking wickets to restrict their visitors to 58-2 in 20 overs.

However, Oakmere picked up the scoring rate to set Appleton a daunting victory target of 186.

Emma Barlow and Charlotte Cross saw off the opening bowlers, but Appleton could not keep up with the scoring rate after Barlow was dismissed for 42.

Laura Jackson hit a valuable 38, but the hosts were bowled out for 116.

The team face a double header this weekend, travelling to Didsbury on Sunday before hosting Oakmere again in the Knockout Cup on Monday.