APPLETON Tigers secured their place in Cheshire Women’s Cricket League Division One for next season with a nervy victory over Stockport Trinity.

In a game reduced to 20 overs per side due to rain, Appleton batted first and 23 runs were plundered from the first three overs thanks to openers Emma Barlow and Holly McCurrie.

Barlow made a half-century, while Laura Jackson (26) helped push the Tigers to finish on 106-3.

The Appleton bowling attack then worked well together, with Sami Fowler and Kathryn Jackson’s solid opening spell being followed by a crucial wicket for Olivia Horsfield.

Still, Trinity edged towards their target until Georgia Heath bowled a nerveless final over, restricting the opposition to eight runs when 12 were needed for victory to secure a three-run win for the Tigers.

Appleton finish their season at title-chasing Oakmere on Sunday.