APPLETON Tigers saw hopes of retaining the Cheshire Women's League Division One title suffer a serious blow as leaders Chester beat them for a second time to move further ahead in the race.

After Holly McCurrie got them off to a quick start, Appleton lost wickets at regular intervals throughout their rain interrupted innings.

Emma Barlow's 39 was the mainstay of the innings and Annie Rashid chipped in with a rapid 11 but their total of 94 felt about 20 runs short of a good target.

Appleton's bowling and fielding was outstanding as they restricted Chester to just 32 from their first 20 overs.

Sami Fowler's six overs for 10 runs and Kathryn Jackson's five overs for six runs were particularly important in creating pressure.

Rashid's bowling made the breakthrough with a smart catch by keeper Judith Barnes, but Chester pushed on from there and reached their target with seven overs to spare.